Presents an experiment using plants grown on the classroom window sill that allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the collection and analysis of empirical data. (ASK)

Discusses Knob's solution, which was considered the ideal plant growth solution in 1865, and recommends eliminating Knob's solution from active teaching. Describes solution culture basics including nutrient solutions, containers and aeration, and plants and light. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Few people are more curious about their worlds than young children. Why, then, do so many science lessons begin with questions supplied by adults rather than kids? In many published programs, lessons revolve around set questions, with step-by-step directions provided for children to follow. This approach seems to say that young children are not…

How does a tiny seed sprout and grow into a towering tree? Join the kids from M.A.P.L.E as they learn about some of the incredible transformations that a plant goes through during its lifetime. In All About Plant Structure & Growth, uncover the secrets of roots, stems and leaves - structures that are vital to a plant's role as an energy…

Discusses the history of the use of pesticides and biological control. Introduces the concept of biological control as illustrated in the use of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and highlights laboratory demonstrations of Koch's postulates. Includes an exercise that offers the student and teacher several integrated learning…

Presents plant and plant ecology lessons designed to raise student awareness of the effects of human trampling on the environment. Involves students working in teams to determine which types of plants are more sensitive to trampling, and designing a method for testing the prediction. (JRH)

Introduces the plant Amaryllis, which is the common name for the Hippeastrum species. Describes how to grow and bloom Amaryllis in soil using hydroponics. Introduces experiments investigating the anatomy of the bulb, growing and elongation rates, the flower, and foliage. (Contains 21 references.) (YDS)

Describes the life cycle of the Amaryllis plant from bulb to blossom. Suggests 12 activities in which students monitor plant growth, examine plant parts, make drawings of the plant, and eat flowers of other plants. (MDH)

Consumer chemistry projects using houseplant fertilizers are described. Background information on fertilizer elements and different brands are discussed. The procedures for the activities (reading fertilizer labels, calculating the cost of various fertilizers, and calculating the amount of nitrogen in solution) are included. (KR)

Describes the effects of thigmomorphogenesis, the mechanical stimulation of plants, and how to engage biology students in a study of this unusual plant response. Focuses on an exploration of the effect of wind on a particular plant variety. (DDR)

Discusses practical work which can be completed in a few hours that enables students to explore the genetics of the dandelion plant, which reproduces asexually. Dandelions, measuring instruments, and student imagination are needed for this activity. (DDR)

Suggests activities for studying the variety of life forms found and the interaction of living things during a class trip to the beach. (WRM)

Presents three activities using pearl onion bulbs to illustrate plant growth and plant propagation under various conditions. (WRM)

Details laboratory procedures that enable students to understand the concept of how differences in water potential drive the movement of water within a plant in response to transpiration. Students compare transpiration rates for upper and lower surfaces of leaves. (DDR)

Describes a project in which teachers concentrate on providing hands-on learning and work with students to build a nature center. Students participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of the project. (DDR)