Uses science fiction films such as "Jurassic Park" or "Anaconda" to teach science concepts while fostering student interest. Advocates science fiction as a teaching tool to improve learning and motivation. Describes how to use science fiction in the classroom with the sample activity Twister. (YDS)

Describes the design and implementation of an activity to teach electrocommunication in animals using scientific inquiry and engineering design to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions in understanding electrocommunication in electric fish; develop explanations of natural phenomena as a creative process; and help understand that…

Discusses strategies to facilitate children's explorations that include supporting open-ended inquiry, supervising safely, seizing the moment, offering a place for discovery, providing access to information, sharing respect for life, seeking community involvement, and celebrating wonder. (JRH)

Describes an activity that helps students see how a paper map can represent a three dimensional object by having students build a realistic model that clearly shows what a contour line is and why it behaves the way it does. (DDR)

Presents an activity that can be an effective way to teach the key concepts of density, specific gravity, miscibility, and immiscibility without expensive reagents or equipment. Includes pre-laboratory discussion tips and student laboratory worksheets. (DDR)

Offers tips to help teachers in early childhood settings guide children toward integrating their sensory experiences into basic scientific concepts and skills. Provides examples of observing, identifying, comparing, classifying, communicating, and utilizing within a developmentally appropriate classroom practice. Includes suggestions for setting…

Discussed are the growth of partnerships between universities and public schools in the United States, and the need for improvement in science and mathematics education. A five-week program which involved inner-city students in different science experiences in a university environment is described. The results of this program are presented. (CW)

Described are activities using ants. Ant hunting, a list of books on the topic, information, and ant farming are included. The procedures for assembling and maintenance of an ant farm are presented. (KR)

Discussed is an activity that allows preservice teachers to write about their own relationships with science teachers and their experiences with hands-on science activities in an autobiography. Directions, excerpts from past autobiographies, and the implications are included. (KR)

Errors found in a common physics experiment to measure acceleration resulting from gravity using a linear air track are investigated. Glider position at release and initial velocity are shown to be sources of systematic error. (CW)

Described are activities that lead to values clarification. Issues such as dissection, bioengineering, birth control, medical resources, and death are discussed. Included is a student questionnaire on the subject of dissection and the use of animals in laboratories. (KR)

Described is an color-making activity where students use food coloring, eyedroppers, and water to make various colored solutions. Included are the needed materials and procedures. Students are asked to write up the formulas for making their favorite color. (KR)

Described is a science curriculum enrichment program where sixth grade students present programs to other students on the topics of pets and exotic animals. The use of live animals in the presentations is emphasized. (KR)

Presented are interdisciplinary activities that help students to identify minerals and to begin to understand the properties that make each one unique. The concept of individuality is emphasized. Included is a section on minerals and an explanation of their physical characteristics. (KR)

Described in this article are some of the ways in which teachers of environment-based subjects can use the information derived from the media in their routine activities. Included are ideas on how to select sources of information, themes, and approaches. (KR)