In this work, an inexpensive 10-gallon glass aquarium was used to study wave motion in water. The waves travel at speeds comparable to a person walking ([approximately]1 m/s). The scale of the motion allows for distances to be measured with a meterstick and for times to be measured with a stopwatch. For a wide range of water depths, standing waves…

Rocket experiments demonstrating conservation of momentum will never fail to generate enthusiasm in undergraduate physics laboratories. In this paper, we describe tests on rockets from two vendors that combine baking soda and vinegar for propulsion. The experiment compared two analytical approximations for the maximum rocket height to the…

Teacher utilized Styrofoam shapes, used in packing, as motivation for her students in creating Styrofoam dummies. (Author/RK)

This simple but effective laboratory exercise helps students understand the concept of protein domain function. They use foam beads, Styrofoam craft balls, and pipe cleaners to explore how domains within protein active sites interact to form a functional protein. The activity allows students to gain content mastery and an understanding of the…

Two students, meeting together with a teacher, redid historical experiments. Unlike conventional instruction where science topics and practices often fragment, they experienced interrelatedness among phenomena, participants' actions, and history. This study narrates actions that fostered an interrelated view. One action involved opening up…

A device that can demonstrate equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic concepts is described. The device consists of a leaf blower attached to a plastic container divided into two chambers by a barrier of variable size and form. Styrofoam balls can be exchanged across the barrier when the leaf blower is turned on and various air pressures are…

In the project described in this article, sixth-grade students use printmaking processes to design an art image of themselves accompanied by a reflective poem. The lesson begins with a discussion of self-portraits by famous artists, inviting questions such as "What visual clues does the artist present to the viewer?" and "How has the artist placed…

Describes a safe but qualitative alternative to an experiment in which bullets are shot into wooden blocks from below, with some bullets hitting the blocks in the center and others off-center. Explains why the off-center blocks reach greater heights in spite of the fact that the bullet's energy is divided between translational and rotational…

Describes how to make puppets out of styrofoam balls. (GB)

Describes a collage technique which uses styrofoam to obtain a multidimensional image. (SJL)

Describes the uses, advantages and disadvantages of styrofoam sheeting and foam rubber in theatrical productions. (PRA)

Describes three methods for making plaster masks: face casting, styrofoam wig head casting, and balloon casting. (RM)

Christopher Adejumo identified community-based art as "works of art produced by people living within the same locality, and defined by common interests such as shared concerns, cultural heritage, traditions, and language patterns." Community-based art has the potential of heightening students' sense of personal responsibility and generating…

Describes how a difficult projection in drafting can be better explained with oversize chalkboard drawing and styrofoam model. (GR)