Describes the Science Exchange Program that aims at increasing children's knowledge and use of the Internet and teaching them how commonplace items such as shells, rocks, and other natural materials differ throughout the world. Involves students from different countries connecting through the Internet. (JRH)

Presents an activity in which students learn about the changes in the state of matter by making taffy the old-fashioned way. (JRH)

Presents a role-playing activity that enables elementary students to learn how atoms and molecules behave. (JRH)

Presents a strategy that helps students visualize and comprehend moon phase changes through activities that use an Earth-centered point of view along with direct observations of the moon. Describes activities that parents can use at home to help children become familiar with observing moon phases. (JRH)

Presents activities for elementary students that lay the conceptual foundation for developing an understanding of heredity and identification. Uses analogies and firsthand experiences to demystify the science of DNA. (JRH)

Describes the experiences of children in a program that highlights the process of inquiry by allowing and encouraging children to raise questions, develop investigation strategies, formulate theories, and report findings in a variety of ways. Discusses the teacher's role in observing, respecting, and supporting children's work. (JRH)

Argues that empowering parents is the first step toward improving females' achievement in science. Describes the Sisters in Science (SIS) program that aims to unite the role of parents with the other factors that promote female success in science. Discusses policy and practical implications that can be drawn from the work of the SIS program.…

Describes the construction of a sturdy earthworm box that can provide students with firsthand experience with earthworms. Presents activities that enable students to observe earthworms and discover how they enrich the soil. (JRH)

Presents activities that allow students to think about the Earth in a contextual manner and become familiar with constructive and destructive processes as they relate to sand - its origins, cyclical processes, and yielding of new products. Explores the bigger idea with a developmentally appropriate study of water, rocks, sand, physical phenomena,…

Describes a strategy that combines a field trip to a pond with technology such as digital cameras and educational software to help children expand their knowledge about ponds. Involves students sharing this new knowledge using computer writing and drawing tools. Lists science software resources and writing/drawing programs. (JRH)

Presents a hands-on science activity in which students can explore interesting science concepts related to soap, light, and color. Includes materials, directions, and related questions. (SOE)

Describes a project in which 7th and 8th grade students learned lasting lessons about habitat when they built nesting boxes and erected them in a local park. Students deepened their understanding of environmental issues and gained a sense of pride. Includes instructions for building nesting boxes. (NB)

Presents a set of activities for testing consumer products to encourage students to learn how to use scientific investigations in their everyday lives. Describes the penny flip experiment and testing a detergent. Students learn in a hands-on manner the importance of completing accurate laboratory reports, which allows them to analyze results and…

Discusses the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), which provides opportunities for people to discover and express interest in science and technology. Includes information on teaching activities, business partnerships, and community involvement. (NB)

Explores early railroad expansion and ways in which new railroad technologies contributed to the development of the United States, particularly the western states. Activities help students understand how steam engines work, why stopping trains can be a lengthy proposition, why magnets will figure prominently into future trains, and why train…