Outlines an approach to the problem of over- or underquantification for students by teaching science as a process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data that naturally integrates with mathematics. (MKR)

Each publication in the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse (ENC) Focus series presents a small selection of the Clearinghouse collection focused on a topic of particular interest to mathematics and science teachers. In addition to meeting general requirements for inclusion in the ENC collection, curriculum materials in the Focus series are:…

Describes an experiment to investigate chemical changes, pH, dissolved oxygen content, light intensity, and temperature in water containing aquatic plants. (MKR)

Describes an exercise in which students use a hydrological instrument in an actual field situation to measure stream discharge. (RT)

Describes how students in a geoscience course are introduced to geographic information systems (GIS), a computer-assisted system for the acquisition, storage, analysis, and display of geographic data, through a practical experience involving collecting data and inputting it into a GIS program called IDRISI. (MKR)

Describes a hands-on lesson in magnetism designed to be used with upper elementary grade students. Emphasizes structured experiences which involve the student in measuring, data collecting, graphing, and extrapolating information. (TW)

Describes an activity to study the concepts of force and gravity. Students use trigonometry to measure the height of a water balloon shot into the air by a giant slingshot by two methods. A lesson plan provides materials needed, procedures, a chart to record data, and extensions for the activity. (MDH)

Presents two experiments in which students examine the effects of touching and shaking on plant growth in common bush beans. (MDH)

Describes an extended problem-solving activity utilizing drift-bottles that encourages students to deduce probable and great-circle drift-bottle routes, to use logic based on unit calculations, and to estimate the distance traveled and the minimum velocity of these drift-bottles. Includes materials needed, learning objectives, procedures,…

Describes an integrated thematic unit for children from kindergarten to third grade. Explains that the unit incorporates reading, speaking, writing, science, mathematics, social studies, and art into the study of whales. Suggests learning activities on echolocation, migration, measurement, scrimshaw, history, and human interaction with the…

Describes a take-home experiment in which students measure the diffusion of acid through acid-filled capillary tubes immersed into base solutions and vice versa. Students represent and analyze the effects of ambient temperature, molecular weight, and concentrations of the solutions on that movement. (MDH)

Describes a lesson in which fifth graders made observations of candles. Discusses the progress of the lesson and the necessity of instructing students in what and how to watch and measure. Stresses that this can be easily accomplished inexpensively with imagination. (CW)

Use of motion pictures and videotape recordings to analyze animal behavior is described. Indicates that accuracy/amount of data available is greatly increased and that simultaneous behaviors of different animals can be studied or individual behavior patterns increased/decreased, providing observers with temporal perceptions similar to the animals…

Describes the construction of durable, inexpensive and large sand-hourglasses for use in controlled experiments that allow students to observe, infer, measure, record data, and predict. This hands-on activity is designed to take place over a three-day interval. Includes materials needed, techniques, procedures, follow-up activities, and resource…