Describes an activity using a large balloon to help children understand that, even though the horizon appears to be flat, the Earth is, indeed, round. Uses a toy ship to reinforce evidence from the first part of the activity. Stresses the importance of confronting naive theories at an early age. (CW)

Describes two demonstrations suitable for chemistry instruction. One involves fractal structures obtained by electrodeposition of silver at an air-water interface and the other deals with molecular weights and music. (TW)

Describes an experiment that provides a study of the different colors and shapes of crystals of transition metal dimethylglyoxime complexes with the use of a low power microscope. Discusses the preparation and examination of the crystals. (CW)

Presents an experimental example illustrating the most common methods for the determination of kinetic parameters. Discusses the different theories and equations to be applied and the mechanism derived from the kinetic results. (CW)

Provides some activities that are designed to help students understand some of the reasons why parents sometimes refuse to let their children have pets. Includes mathematics and writing lessons, a student checklist, and a set of tips for parents. (TW)

Demonstrates how a spreadsheet program can do calculations, freeing students to question, analyze data and learn science. Notes several popular spreadsheet programs. Gives an example using Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets for a sampling experiment in Biology. Shows other examples of spreadsheet use in laboratory activities. (CW)

Reviews a science open house held at regular intervals at Yuba College, California. Enumerates the motivation for and the organization of the open house. Reports community wide attendance and participation. Lists the exhibits used at the open house with descriptions. (CW)

Discusses some of the ecological variables involved with plant and animal survival during the winter months. Addresses the effects of changing climatic conditions on habitats, foot-loading indexes, and the overall concept of adaptation. Provides some simple teaching activities dealing with winter survival. (TW)

Describes four classroom activities that deal with a variety of scientific concepts. Discusses lessons on the cycles of matter in ecosystems, the calculation of the height of tall objects, bleaching techniques for bones, and the effects of force on sound when closing doors. (TW)

Describes procedures for examining a beetle's anatomy with microsurgical tools. Instructions for experimental exercises dealing with the insect's structure and digestive enzymes are outlined. Tips on how to make a microscalpel are also included. (TW)

Provides background theory and an experiment relating to chemometrics. Describes the phenomenon where solutions are dichromatic or dichromic. Discusses the difficulty students have in describing such solutions that appear to be several different colors at the same time. (TW)

Discusses the importance of studying the far-from-equilibrium phenomena in college chemistry. Presents a system using the gas pendulum which displays all of the essential characteristics of dissipative systems. Promotes the use of the gas pendulum as a teaching example of a nonlinear far-from-equilibrium process. (TW)

Presents a series of activities that use dinosaurs as a theme for teaching biological and geological concepts. The activities can be adapted for use with middle school through college level biology students. Exercises address such topics as: evolutionary relationships of vertebrates; Mesozoic ecology; animal tracks; and mineral replacement…

Describes a simple method for determining self-inductance of non-ferromagnetic rings. Suggests fitting the ring with an auxiliary coil and using a solenoid driven with a known frequency alternating current. Amplitude change and phase shift can be measured and used to calculate inductance. Material list, calculations, and sample results are given.…

Describes an enrichment program for preschool children which includes hands-on experiences with animals. Includes a chart with suggestions (large group activities, outdoor activities, science center activities, language and mathematics center activities, and arts/craft center activities) for the study of birds, insects, reptiles, mammals, trees…