Describes an activity in which students use metric measurements to find length and mass, calculate the towing strength of a bess beetle, and compare animal adaptations with human adaptations. (WRM)

Describes an activity in which students make careful observations about earwigs, then design their own questions for further investigation. (WRM)

Describes an experiment in which students determine the density of Coke and Diet Coke, consider density as an intensive property, and compare the accuracy and precision of different types of glassware. (WRM)

Presents a plain English map of the gene coding for the glycolysis enzymes in humans to be used as a teaching tool. The map can be used to illustrate that every reaction in a cell requires an enzyme, and that every enzyme is a protein coded for by a gene somewhere on the chromosomes. (WRM)

Describes a project in which undergraduate students learn ecological principles and methods by contributing to research involved in restoring an old agricultural field to mesic property. Finds that the project enhances student motivation and interest. (Author/WRM)

Describes a unit on biodiesel from a socio-critical chemistry teaching approach aimed at improving student participation and decision making. Explores the use of biodiesel (chemically changed vegetable oils), especially in Europe. The unit proved to be successful as students participated enthusiastically and social and scientific goals were…

Argues for using "conflict maps" as a way of enhancing science teaching and learning. The conflict map emphasizes not only the use of discrepant events, but also the resolution of conflict between students' alternative conceptions and the scientific conception. Discusses the conflict map as an instructional aid for teachers or as a…

Describes a simple demonstration of the flow of sand through an orifice at the bottom of a sandbox. Advocates the experiment's use with dimensional analysis for students in an introductory physics course. (WRM)

Describes a physics demonstration that dramatically illustrates the mutual repulsion (attraction) between parallel conductors using insulated copper wire, wooden dowels, a high direct current power supply, electrical tape, and an overhead projector. (WRM)

Details the construction and design of two kinds of sundials appropriate for school or home use. (Author/WRM)

Discusses ways for teachers to help students understand how to ask questions appropriate for scientific inquiry. (WRM)

Describes the history and uses of the coulometer, a device for measuring quantities of electricity. (Contains 27 references.) (Author/WRM)

Draws on an array of historical documents to delve into the history of genetics and the lives and scientific accomplishments of female geneticists that include Nettie Stevens, Rosalind Franklin, and Barbara McClintock. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/WRM)

Presents a series of experiments that can be used to demonstrate how aspirin can be synthesized and characterized, how the hydrolysis of aspirin can be used as an introduction to kinetics, and how coordination chemistry (chelation) can be introduced by preparing and characterizing the copper complexes of aspirin and salicylic acid. (Contains over…

Describes an improvised science lesson that grew out of elementary students' interests and questions about music and sound. Students designed, built, and performed with their own musical instruments. (WRM)