Describes one teacher's experience working at a science center during a leave of absence from teaching. Discusses the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, OH. COSI is a science and technology center where visitors can see and interact with hundreds of exhibits and demonstrations on topics related to science, industry, health, and…

Presents a hands-on activity for children to build and take home a basic model of the human skeletal system. Describes how to make "noodle people" from ordinary materials including pasta, pipe cleaners, straws, and margarine tub lids. (NB)

Describes an investigation involving flies. Students observe the growth of ordinary flies from the larval stage to adulthood and create poems, stories, and pictures. Concludes that not only did students learn the usual science content of an insect unit, they also began to view commonplace things in a new way. (NB)

Presents an integrated unit on aerodynamics for a diverse group of 4th grade students. Students work with readily available, inexpensive materials to devise methods to answer questions about aerodynamics. High-interest activities include balloon rocketry and paper-airplane design and address visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. The…

Presents a hands-on activity as an excellent starting point for investigations related to the eye. Involves making a simple model of the vertebrate eye to illustrate the formation of an upside-down image on the retina by the lens. Links to investigations in numerous science disciplines including astronomy, genetics, biology, earth science, and…

Describes a twist on the egg-drop challenge activity for an 8th grade physical science unit. Students engage in active inquiry and explore the laws of physics, develop critical thinking skills, and practice problem-solving tasks. (NB)

Discusses petroleum oil and its various uses from fuel to clothes, toys, and plastic. Includes a foldout with activities. (NB)

Presents a way for teachers to capitalize on children's intrinsic fascination with big things by measuring the world's largest living plants--trees. Students develop an appreciation of nature, work together cooperatively, and practice science process skills. Outlines the procedure and equipment including pencils, metersticks, and string. (NB)

Presents an activity in which students design, construct, and test "super ears" to investigate sound and hearing. Students work in groups of three and explore how the outer ear funnels sound waves to the inner ear and how human hearing compares to that of other animals. (NB)

Presents a 4-week set of activities to engage 5th grade students in real-life applications of chemistry. Students solve a crime of theft through the use of mystery powders, chromatography, scientific analysis of cloth, and fingerprinting. (NB)

Discusses "The Big Empty" or, the Great Basin. Suggests that it is not empty but rather a great ecosystem rich in plants, animals, and minerals. Presents information and activities to guide students in exploring the Great Basin in order to understand the ways in which such an arid and seemingly harsh environment can support so many living things.…

Presents a unit on insects. Describes collecting insect specimens from the front grille of a car for study. Students develop keen observation skills, learn to identify body parts, and begin to appreciate the enormous diversity of insects. Concludes that students showed positive change in their attitudes toward insects. (NB)

A trip to the zoo can be a terrific way for young children to learn about animals, especially using planned learning experiences. Presents some activities for use before, during, and after a trip to the zoo. (NB)