Describes a scavenger hunt activity that has been used successfully with middle school students in an earth science course. This activity includes items that call for library research rather than the collection of objects, emphasize real-world connections, are skill-oriented, ask for originality and creativity, and are just for fun. (JRH)

Describes fourth- to sixth-grade level activities designed to enhance science learning through the identification of science concepts and misconceptions found in the media, and by underscoring the relevance of science to everyday life. (Contains 17 references.) (ASK)

Describes activities to introduce middle school students to the metric system. Involves converting common cookbook recipes from English to metric measure and then having students reconvert the recipes and prepare them as an assignment. (JRH)

Presents a series of investigations focusing on the biodegradable packing materials ("peanuts"), which provide a method for exploring science through experimentation. These activities can help fourth through sixth graders sharpen their critical thinking and science process skills. (PR)

Presents a class project to help upper elementary students grasp the extent of the solid waste disposal problem and develop an individual response. Includes background information for the teacher, project objectives, materials, procedures, and a listing for additional resources. (MCO)

Presents activities designed to allow students with backgrounds in states of matter and measurement to have a very concrete hands-on, minds-on experience with both physical and chemical changes and to compare and contrast the end products of each type of change in a concrete way. (PR)

The article outlines an activity for providing a hands-on opportunity for elementary and middle school science students to study the theory of the earth's crustal change over the past several hundred million years. The theory of continents drifting away from one super continent is presented with the supportive evidence that scientists have…

Presents an activity to determine the identity of animals that owls ingest. Students dissect and examine the contents of "owl pellets" which are the indigestible parts of animals that are regurgitated after eating. Provides instructions for implementing and extending the activity. (MDH)

Presents career exploration activities for middle school students to stimulate interest and provide information concerning career opportunities in the science field. The activities are cited as representative of an Earth systems education curriculum approach that includes career exploration as an important aspect of science education. (nine…

Presents an activity in which students in grades 5-8 learn about snail reproduction by observing and charting the activities of land snails, freshwater snails, and slugs. Instructions to implement and extend the activity are provided. (MDH)

Presents a hands-on activity to help primary, intermediate, and advanced students learn about and compare the general characteristics of reptiles and amphibians. Suggests "herp stations" to provide experiences. Details materials, background and procedures necessary for using this activity. (CW)

Described is the use of computer software to teach elementary scientific processes to sixth graders. Discussed are materials, manuals, procedures and evaluation. The results of a field trial are described. (CW)

Six major concepts of science are illustrated through the use of simple, easily equipped hands-on activities. Included in each activity are a list of materials, procedures, questions for students, and suggested discussion. Aquatic acoustics are highlighted. (CW)

Suggests some of the basics and reasons for teaching balance. Explains how the concept of a cantilever can be used. Describes 25 activities for observing, testing and learning about balance. (CW)

These activities focus on the unifying concept of faster-moving fluids lowering fluid pressure. Students are able to visualize and measure the dynamics of fluid pressure with the hands-on approach of these activities, which helps to develop conceptual understanding. Activities are organized to show many examples of the same concept to reveal…