Explains the advantages and disadvantages of verification experiments in classrooms from the secondary school science teacher's point of view and discusses the reasons for difficulties and resistance in replacing verification experiments with inquiry experiments. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Explains the benefits of using plastinated specimens on students' conceptual understanding. Argues for dropping the dissection component from introductory biology courses due to threatened animal populations and the high cost of providing some of the specimens. Describes how to use plastinated specimens in an investigative laboratory approach.…

Presents three biology activities involving insects that demonstrate basic ecological principles related to the forensic sciences. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Reviews the use of concept cartoons in support of the constructivist view of learning, and gives two particular examples to show how they can help students' understanding of the formation of shadows. (Author/MM)

Describes several games from various sources which can help in teaching about photosynthesis, pollution, pollination, plant parts, Earth history time-scale, biodiversity conservation, values, and communication. Requires little equipment and games are easy to organize and effective with various age groups ranging from primary to adult. (Author/YDS)

Describes a simple computer interface that can be used to make reliable time measurements, such as when timing the swings of a pendulum. Presents a sample experiment involving a form of pendulum known as the compound pendulum. (Author/YDS)

Suggests activities to elicit and develop children's conceptual understanding of plants. (Author)

Describes a collection of free-body exercises for linear and circular motion. Offers new methods of drawing free-body diagrams. (CCM)

Finds that students taking algebra-based introductory physics have difficulty with one- and two-body problems in particle mechanics. Provides graded exercises for drawing and utilizing free-body diagrams. (CCM)

Compares various detector technology for measuring the direction and magnitude of magnetic fields. (CCM)

Describes a contest in which students attempt to build a device that produces a donut-shaped air pulse that will travel the greatest distance with the most accuracy. (WRM)

Describes an experiment undertaken to determine what relative electric charges would result if three or more pieces of transparent tape were placed on top of each other and then separated one at a time. Makes suggestions for using the project in high school and undergraduate classes. (WRM)

Describes an inquiry-based cooperative activity designed to give students a sense of the connection between stellar spectra and temperature. (WRM)

Notes that water can be an important medium for science, math, and language activities and how encouraging young children to think about water helps them understand important concepts about how the world works. Offers detailed instructions for 13 classroom activities that use water to demonstrate a variety of concepts. (TJQ)

Presents a low-cost activity in which students dissect cameras and build telescopes. (WRM)