Activities designed around packaged items such as toothpicks are used to teach students to identify variables, gather and analyze data, use statistics, and draw conclusions based on evidence. A computer database used to keep track of data is described. Curriculum extensions in writing, math, and art are included. (KR)

Describes an open-ended project designed to have preservice elementary teachers regard science as inquiry. The problem deals with how many pencils could be made from the wood in a telephone pole. Several methods of solving the problem are described. (BR)

Discusses the use of rubberbands, an empty wooden thread spool, two wooden matches, a wax washer, and a small nail to conduct an experiment or demonstration in powerplant design. Detailed procedures and suggested activities are included. (CC)

Describes using picture riddles to present situations, problems, or puzzles in graphic form to stimulate student enthusiasm. Included are five picture riddles. (SL)

Describes how animated drawings can be simply prepared and used effectively as a teaching aid in science. (JR)

Describes several activities which can be used, by the teacher, as class demonstrations or projects to stimulate student interest in weather phenomena. (JR)

Provides an OEAGLS (Oceanic Education Activities for Great Lakes Schools) activity showing how biological sampling can be taught using acquatic examples in a "dry lab." The activity, requiring use of mathematical/observational skills, simulates a plankton sample and stimulates discussions of how environmental/human factors can cause…

Briefly described are 25 "hands on" classroom activities which require live, freshly killed, or preserved grasshoppers. Topics of activities include predator-prey relationships, feeding habits, locomotion, dissection, anatomy, and population estimates. (DS)

Outlined is background information and procedures for conducting an archaeological dig including vocabulary, tools, site selection, and pre- and post-dig activities. (DC)

Describes how teachers can use wheels of tricycles, bicycles, and trains to stimulate children with mathematics, relative position, and engineering concepts. Techniques are offered for measuring circumference of a bicycle wheel, gear ratios, and pedal wheel circumferences. Comparative data are given for various sized wheels. (Author/SA)

Describes the use of observation folders as a tool for understanding and refining the basic skills of observation and inference that are important to the young child. These folders provide opportunities for students to view and examine "mystery pictures," make inferences, and arrive at their own conclusions about the subject of the…

Presented are activities in which students can observe dragonflies in their natural environment, capture them for examination, or make dragonfly models. Background information, directions for a field observation activity and making the models, and benefits of dragonfly study are included. (KR)

Describes a variety of water erosion situations which can be shown with the use of a streamtable. Individual and group experiments are suggested and photographs of some situations which may be created are provided. (CP)

The Mathematics and Science Center serving five school districts in Richmond, Virginia, has developed devices and materials that teachers can borrow to produce mini-gardens in the classroom. Article gives directions for construction of a soil mixer and root-view box. (BR)