Suggests using squids for classroom investigations. Background information about these marine animals and a dissection activity are included. (JN)

Explains how and why mirages are formed. The three basic types of mirages (inferior--seen below an object, superior--seen above an object, and the fata morgana--which occurs when inferior and superior mirages coexist) are considered. (JN)

Suggests using crickets for classroom activities, providing background information on their anatomy and reproduction and tips on keeping individual organisms or a breeding colony in the classroom. (JN)

Teachers can help children understand that sound is caused when something vibrates by using the suggested activities to help teach them to see, hear, and feel the vibrations all around them. Suggests reinforcing the lesson by having the children create musical instruments out of simple materials. (JN)

Notes some of the conflicts between the use of hands-on science curricula and standardized testing. Discusses the state of testing and the state of science education with regard to the tests. Describes some promising developments in assessment in science education. (TW)

Discusses some of the ways that rocks can be used to enhance children's creativity and their interest in science. Suggests the creation of a dramatic production involving rocks. Includes basic information on sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. (TW)

Describes some of the characteristics of the common harvestmen, or daddy longlegs, and the true spider. Provides information on harvestmen's habitats and life cycles and includes tips on housing and observing these organisms in science classrooms. (TW)

Describes a study in which elementary school children received different types of instruction about terminology used in explaining the water cycle. Results indicated that the group of students receiving hands-on instruction demonstrated a better understanding of the terms than did the other groups involved in the study. (TW)

Encourages teachers to take advantage of the natural curiosity of young children in enhancing their interest in science. Describes four simple activities involving water, living and non-living things, air pollution, and food. (TW)

Reviews seven computer software programs that can be used in science education programs. Describes courseware which deals with muscles and bones, terminology, classifying animals without backbones, molecular structures, drugs, genetics, and shaping the earth's surface. (TW)

Describes a cooperative program between Indiana University and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis that was designed to expose preservice elementary teacher trainees to children who were interacting with the museum's displays. Discusses some of the misconceptions that the children held about certain scientific concepts and the entertainment…

Describes a hands-on lesson in magnetism designed to be used with upper elementary grade students. Emphasizes structured experiences which involve the student in measuring, data collecting, graphing, and extrapolating information. (TW)

Describes the use of a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) in teaching the concepts of heat and temperature to eighth grade students. Discusses the advantages of being able to instantly display the results of their experimentation with the use of temperature and light probes, and heat pulsors. (TW)

Provides some teaching tips for elementary teachers that are designed to enhance the natural interests of young children in science and help equip them with important science processing skills. Contains activities related to observation, classification, measurement, and communication. (TW)

Discusses some of the ways that a cabbage can be used to produce a universal indicator of pH. Describes the methods for producing the indicator, experiments students can do on ordinary household chemicals, and a student take-home assignment for producing pH indicators. (TW)