Provides information for teaching a unit on wild plants, including resources to use, plants to learn, safety considerations, list of plants (with scientific name, edible parts, and uses), list of plants that might cause allergic reactions when eaten. Also describes the chickweed, bull thistle, and common mallow. (BC)

Describes an experiment in which the final speed of a toy car is predicted by measuring the elastic potential energy stored in its spring at the start and the energy lost to friction during the run. Conservation of energy is discussed and the necessary mathematical formulas are presented. (BC)

Describes an experiment involving the preparation of copper iodide that gives stoichiometric results. Materials needed and procedures are discussed along with ideas on different ways to analyze the data. Pertinent chemical equations are presented. (BC)

Presents a set of facts extracted from a high school biology textbook and two example paragraphs that students wrote in which they pulled these facts together. An analysis of each writing sample in terms of logical transition and clarity is presented. Suggests this method to help students construct relationships. (BC)

Presents a technique for teaching meteorology allowing students to observe and analyze consecutive weather maps and relate local conditions; a model illustrating the three-dimensional nature of the atmosphere is employed. Instructional methods based on studies of daily weather maps to trace systems sweeping across the United States are discussed.…

Describes a pre-class, warm-up exercise consisting of an "Appetizer Booklet" divided into five sections: puzzles; creations; questionnaires; pictures; and reading. Students are limited to 5 or 10 minutes and the work is not graded but occasionally collected and shared. Example exercises are provided. (BC)

Four middle/junior high school programs, winners in the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education are described. Programs focus on: (1) note-taking in the laboratory; (2) natural history expeditions; (3) environmental physical science (social and scientific ecological studies); and (4) use of teaching teams…

In most astronomy courses, descriptions of stars and constellations reveal the western European origins of the astronomers who named them. However, it is suggested that a study of non-western views be incorporated into astronomy curricula. Descriptions of various stars and constellations from different cultures and instructional strategies are…

Provides instructions for preparing, processing, and viewing single-beam reflection holograms in science classrooms. Indicates that the process is simple to demonstrate and moderate in cost. A description of the required equipment (optics table, laser, mirrors, lens, filmholder/plateholder, recording materials, and darkroom chemicals/equipment) is…

Provides safety considerations related to chemistry experiments and demonstrations. Includes procedures for a volcano demonstration (which does not use ammonium dichromate) and three clock reactions, a list of hazardous chemicals, and a list of questions to help decide whether the risk of an experiment is acceptable for a class. (JN)

Errors in determining the effectiveness of mouthwashes, disinfectants, and other household products as antibacterial agents may result from using broth cultures and/or irregularly shaped bits of filter paper. Presents procedures for a better technique and, for advanced students, two additional procedures for introducing quantitative analysis into…

Discusses the role of dissection in science courses, examining essential lessons students can learn (such as developing an abiding respect for all forms of life, including the animal being dissected). Also presents a list of tips related to classroom dissection and comments on formaldehyde and formalin substitutes. (JN)

Presents a technique for obtaining a rough measure of the brightness among different stars. Materials needed include a standard 35-mm camera, a plastic ruler, and a photo enlarger. Although a telescope can be used, it is not essential. (JN)

The Project for an Energy-Enriched Curriculum (PEEC) analyzed science and social studies textbooks to: document the lack of energy topics; locate niches for energy topics/concepts; and show how PEEC instructional materials could fit into these niches. Findings from this analysis and recommendations supporting the cause of energy education are…

Discusses several environmental problems resulting from thermal pollution. Also discusses experiments which help students develop an awareness and understanding of these problems while reinforcing science process skills, problem-solving methods, and independent logical thinking. (JN)