Presents three experiments that provide examples of how plants modify their surroundings and create microenvironments. Examples demonstrate (1) how types of ground cover influence water quality; (2) how plants can create a thermal microenvironment; and (3) how plants can serve as barriers to wind. (MDH)

Describes activities with star projection devices that include process skills such as observing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data, and producing a model. Provides background information, construction method, and two teaching examples. (YP)

Described are several activities for teaching children to determine mass and volume. Included are the masses of a water drop and a grain of rice; the volume of a water drop and small solids; and measuring the width of a hair. Procedures and materials for the activities are discussed. (CW)

Described are 22 activities which can be done by students outside of school. Topics include the seashore, shadows, restaurants, water, amusement parks, factories, museums, camping, weather, animals, photography, plants, food, and exercise. (CW)

Strategies which can be used to help students learn to write lab reports are suggested. An example of an activity is provided including materials, procedures, discussion, and follow up. (CW)

Presented is a class activity that uses the database feature of the Appleworks program to create a database from which students may study endangered species. The use of a local zoo as a base of information about the animals is suggested. Procedures and follow-up activities are included. (CW)

Describes two activities for helping elementary and middle school students develop energy consciousness: (1) Energy Chains and (2) The Energy Tank. The Energy Tank is an activity that has students build and race a two-liter soda bottle to reinforce the basic laws of energy conservation. (PR)

Uses shoeboxes to set up science kits to supplement specific areas of the science curriculum. Each kit contains a set of material and instructions for a single activity. The activity is intended as an individualized experience that is related to a current topic of study or that reinforces a recent topic. Details for making six sample shoeboxes are…

Provides background information on landfills and describes an activity where students learn how a modern landfill is constructed and develop an understanding of the reasons for several regulations regarding modern landfill construction. Students design and construct working models of three types of landfills. (PR)

Describes interdisciplinary activities for teaching elementary science using eggs. Each activity is designed to introduce larger thematic units. Activities include making egg animals (study of animal survival), throwing raw eggs at taut vertical sheets and making cars for egg passengers (force and momentum), and making eggshell domes (dome…