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)

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 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…

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)

Describes a project in which students collect native seeds and build a greenhouse to propagate native plants in a desert laboratory. (DDR)

Outlines the development of an after school science club in which students find a science topic of interest and create a storyboard through photographs. Includes tips for shooting photographs and equipment suggestions. (DDR)

Explores programs at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Focuses on the museum's preschool program and the hands-on science facility. (DDR)

Recommends the use of puzzles to help elementary school children sharpen their problem solving skills. Describes the use of a Puzzle Day to promote problem solving. (DDR)

Reports on a project by a reading teacher that combines reading and science while debunking the myth of the big, bad wolf. Related activities include making animal tracks, writing, and measurement activities. (DDR)

Describes an environmental education project that integrates science and social studies. Provides a month-by-month account of the curriculum organized by ability level. (DDR)