Plans and activities are suggested for teaching elementary children about solar energy. Directions are included for constructing a flat plate collector and a solar oven. Activities for a solar field day are given. (SA)

Presents an activity on metrics for elementary children which utilizes newspaper comic strips. Children are asked to write humorous metric captions to match the pictures. (SA)

Describes how to construct a game for elementary children who need to acquire skills in ordering or sequencing of items. Suggestions for its use in instruction are given. (SA)

Describes how an elementary teacher can incorporate science into the classroom even if he/she feels unsure in the realm of science. Emphasis is on using processes of science. (SA)

Describes the process of collecting and maintaining a culture of protozoa. Instructions are also given for constructing a micropipette for transfering small organisms. (SA)

Five components are presented that should be included in developing elementary science inquiry centers. Classroom management and initiating the centers are also discussed. (SA)

Discusses the variety of ways to explore sounds in the natural and man-made world with children. Activities are given for use in learning centers. (SA)

Recommends a number of techniques and transitional activities to bridge the gap between traditional cookbook activities and the type of inquiry envisioned by the National Science Education Standards. Includes discussion on techniques related to safety and the habits of good scientists. (DDR)

Supports the approach for young children that allows them to perform actions on objects and observe the reactions. Describes some techniques to use to encourage an inquiry approach. (DDR)

Shares some strategies for encouraging students to notice their environment in the broadest sense through using the Socratic method. Focuses on specific examples with historical significance such as exploring the period of a pendulum. (DDR)

Discusses ideas for water rocket investigations. Highlights safety precautions that should be considered when using water rockets with soda bottles. (JRH)

Describes an activity for introducing elementary school students to the surprising Mobius band. Incorporates elements of experimentation and exposes the deceptively simple Mobius band as a rich resource for discovery. Provides an opportunity for young learners to participate in the process of scientific inquiry within a mathematical framework.…

Describes a study that included classroom lessons on hydroelectric power, the history and construction of a nearby lake, data recording, the use of field guides, and methods of counting natural populations. The study culminated in a field trip to the lake. (JRH)

Describes the construction of a simple launcher for plastic bottle rockets. (JRH)

Presents an activity that requires middle level students to use mathematics and measurement skills to estimate the mass of an extinct dinosaur using museum-quality models. (JRH)