Describes directions for constructing "racing" cars out of simple materials like spools and coffee cans. Discusses procedures for students to build cars, then to test and race them. Stresses that the activity allows for self-discovery of problem solving techniques and opportunities to discuss the scientific concepts related to the activity. (TW)

Describes several tests for determining dominance of children's hands, eyes, feet, and thumbs. Discusses the relationship between hemispheric brain dominance and dominant sides of the body. Suggests that raising questions about generalizations can lead to new learning. (TW)

Describes a simple field trip taken by fourth-grade students to a local park. Aided by volunteers, students go through four learning stations dealing with rock studies, tree identification, following directions (mapping), and observation skills. Presite and postsite activities are discussed. (TW)

Describes a set of 10 activities which introduce mainstreamed junior high school students to concepts relating to fossils and dinosaurs. Provides students with opportunities for learning the concepts of change and adaptation, as well as fossil facts and terminology. (TW)

Promotes the Every Teacher a Researcher program of the National Science Teachers Association. Encourages teachers to become involved in three types of action research with regard to cooperative learning in science. These are replicating, refining, and extending. Includes program registration form for interested teachers. (TW)

Describes a set of field trips for participants of the Coastal Environmental Education for Primary Grades program in Georgia. Includes a sample of the activities used by first- and second-grade students. Discusses follow-up activities and the need for more educational programs dealing with sand dunes and saltwater marshes. (TW)

Describes several hands-on science activities which focus on the use of apples. Suggests several ways of using apples to teach classification. Proposes a field trip to an orchard as a culminating activity. (TW)

A four-day field trip to Okefenokee swamp was a learning experience filled with variety for sixth grade students from North Carolina. Academic preparation, site activities (camping, observing, exploring, wading, and canoeing), and resource materials (for interested groups throughout the United States) are discussed. (DH)

Mechanically-minded middle school students who have been studying electromagnetism can construct inexpensive telegraphs resembling Samuel Morse's 1844 invention. Instructions (with diagrams), list of materials needed, and suggestions are given for a simple telegraph and for a two-way system. (DH)

Task groups (consisting of three-five students per group), for hands-on, inquiry-oriented activities can provide meaningful learning experiences, develop interpersonal skills, and save money in the classroom. Suggestions for using task groups are provided, describing a recommended instructional model, instructional strategies, and student roles in…

A glass jug can be a useful piece of science equipment for demonstrations or student experiments. The use of such a jug for measuring lung capacity, forming a fog with pressure, forming a cloud with ice cubes, making a light beam, and making a smoking machine is described. (DH)

Discusses the behavior, housing, care, diet, and feeding of painted turtles. Also suggests several classroom activities and provides guidelines related to long-term captivity and human disease prevention. (DH)

Surveyed 114 teachers (100 percent response rate) associated with exemplary elementary science programs on longevity, confidence, professional involvement, familiarity of curricular materials, inservice, and teaching methods. Comparison with a national sample indicates these teachers have long-term program involvement, a great deal of confidence,…

Describes an enrichment program for preschool children which includes hands-on experiences with animals. Includes a chart with suggestions (large group activities, outdoor activities, science center activities, language and mathematics center activities, and arts/craft center activities) for the study of birds, insects, reptiles, mammals, trees…

Describes a variety of teaching strategies to prepare a class for a whale watching field trip. Guidelines for recording a sighting, pictures and statistics for commonly and/or occasionally seen whales, and hints for avoiding sea sickness are included. (DH)