Provides construction details for a simple reflectometer that can be utilized for the observational technique known as reflectance spectroscopy. Includes background discussion, applications, calibrating techniques, and typical results. (JJK)

Several hands-on whole science activities help elementary students learn about animals' diets and how they affect other animals. One activity involves identifying animals as carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores. Another has students construct food chains. Two across-the-curriculum ideas involve naming carnivores and preparing imaginary menus for…

Elementary level activity book presents suggestions for teaching students about endangered and threatened species worldwide. Students learn about what is causing the rapid extinction rate and what needs to be done. They also discover the value of rainforests and why conservationists are fighting to save them. (SM)

Nitrate assimilation by plants provides an excellent system for demonstrating control of gene expression in a eukaryotic organism. Describes an assay method that allows students to complete experiments designed around the measurement of nitrate reductase within a three-hour laboratory experiment. (PR)

Explains how sweet potato roots can be used for plant tissue culture for biology laboratory instruction. (PR)

Proposes that it is critical for children to understand and appreciate plants, and that gardening can be integrated into the regular school curriculum. Gives examples of "pizza garden" and flower garden projects related to math, science, language arts, creative arts, nutrition and health, physical education, Earth stewardship, music, social…

In this unit, elementary students design and build a lunar plant growth chamber using the Engineering Design Process. The purpose of the unit is to help students understand and apply the design process as it relates to plant growth on the moon. This guide includes six lessons, which meet a number of national standards and benchmarks in…

This document describes the facilities, grounds, and resources of the Cispus Learning Center in Randle, Washington, and presents lessons plans for outdoor and environmental education. The Cispus Learning Center is located on a tree-clad 45-acre site bordering Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southeast Washington. Constructed in 1964-65, the…

This book introduces children to the exciting outdoors and their important relationship to the environment. Through quality hands-on activities, students become aware of their vital connection to the earth and are instilled with a sense of their place in the world. Chapters cover themes that range from life cycles and animal signs to climate and…

A demonstration that can be used to illustrate diffusion and osmosis is presented. Discussed are materials, procedures, and an explanation for the effect. (CW)

Discussed is the evolution of aerobic organisms from anaerobic organisms and the accompanying biochemistry that developed to motivate and enable this evolution. Uses of oxygen by aerobic organisms are described. (CW)

Provides the electronic circuit schematic for the construction of a green vegetation sensor, the directions for its use, and suggestions for student projects. (JJK)

The construction and stocking of an in-class pond is discussed. Suggestions for eight activities using the pond are provided. A list of 15 references is included. (CW)

Describes using tetrazolium chloride as a chemical test for seed germination. (PR)

Discusses and presents activities for learning about plant fossils. The first activity uses teacher-prepared "fossils" made from plaster of Paris. Students attempt to classify the plants. In the second activity, students observe actual plant fossils. (PR)