Describes a classroom use of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to infer not only the properties of a star but also the star's probable stage in evolution, life span, and age of the cluster in which it is located. (ZWH)

Describes bioluminescence and the chemistry of how it occurs. Presents information for conducting the following classroom activities: (1) firefly mimic; (2) modeling deep-sea fish; (3) sea fireflies; and (4) the chemistry of light. (PR)

Students with disabilities can be a successful part of a regular science classroom setting. This article describes the requirements of Public laws 94-142 and 93-112 and explains how science teachers can provide the least restrictive environments. (Contains 26 references.) (PR)

Describes inexpensive and safe activities centered around the chemistry of effervescent products such as Alka-Seltzer. Activities demonstrate the following: water-induced reactions, the influence of humidity, temperature and rate of reaction, particle size and rate of reaction, concentration and rate of reaction, the neutralizing power of…

Describes inexpensive hands-on activities for teaching about mutants and mutations in bacteria. (PR)

Provides instructions for building a radio telescope for less than $120. (PR)

Science fairs can be used to advance a student's scientific knowledge, sharpen laboratory techniques, practice statistical analysis, and gain a better understanding of the process of science. This article describes an outline for developing a science fair that covers the objectives above and develops library and writing skills as well. (PR)

Describes problems with school science fairs including poor judging and a lack of understanding by the students of their own projects. Suggests improvements to the system. One suggestion is for science fair projects to be displayed only in classrooms and not district or regional fairs. (PR)

Presents a simple activity that simulates natural selection working on random mutations through many generations. (PR)

Aspects of impact crater morphology can be studied using a simple, easily constructed, and inexpensive apparatus. A sandbox is constructed and an iron ball dropped from an electromagnet from a height of at least 2 meters. Students can measure crater diameter, crater depth, and projectile penetration depth to investigate how each relates to impact…

Describes a class activity where individual students ask the teacher "yes and no" questions to find the amount of force the bicep uses to lift a 1 kilogram mass. (PR)

Describes an acid rain demonstration for helping students understand chemistry concepts. (PR)

Describes activities with a cartesian diver, a marginally buoyant float. (PR)

Describes a three-week environmental minicourse in a general chemistry class. The minicourse consisted of two distinct phases, a one-week introduction to environmental chemistry and a two-week project involving a particular environmental problem. (PR)

Describes having students write individual letters to learn about environmental issues and get students involved. With encouragement, students will learn that they can make a difference by addressing their concerns to people who have the power to direct change. (PR)