This document contains hands-on, open-ended laboratory activities that can be done in the classroom on a shoestring budget. They are aimed at increasing students' excitement and curiosity about science and enabling them to develop a better understanding of the nature of science, take an active role in their own learning process, and develop…

Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Wading into Wetlands." Contents are organized into the following…

Describes a partnership project between a school and the local community that aimed at transforming the school campus into a beautiful multipurpose area that serves the entire community. Provides students with an in-depth integrated study of plants and gardening and increases awareness of ecological conservation and environmental interactions.…

Outlined is a specific computer application which can be used to analyze data on plant community composition from the point quarter sampling method. Procedures, examples of spreadsheets prepared in this manner, and evaluation of the activity are presented. (CW)

Described is a simple test which uses micro- and macro-observations of onion root tips to demonstrate mutagenic and other toxic effects of various contaminants. Discussed are materials, methods, microscopic procedures, and applications of this activity. (CW)

A springtime forest probably contains over 100 shades of green. Describes outdoor observation activities that let the children monitor tree and plant growth. (PR)

Presents two techniques involving simple and inexpensive demonstrations: (1) explains how pressure inside cells gives them mechanical strength, and (2) shows how water can be pulled up stems. Both can be adapted to suit a variety of levels of instruction. (PR)

Describes how lectures, laboratories, and role playing can be used to introduce students to the importance of water quality of water used for plant growth. (PR)

In May 2005, the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) was funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop curricular units for Grades K-12 on Space Exploration. The units focus on aspects of the themes that NASA Engineers and Scientists--as well as future generations of explorers--must consider, such…

The objective of this book is to provide background information and possible teaching approaches to enable teachers to tackle the study of trees confidently. The book should help students to: (1) gain awareness, sensitivity, and basic understanding of trees and their interactions with the plants and animals in their environment; (2) cultivate…

Reviews rationale, purposes, challenges, and relevance of hands-on, plant biology curricula that have been developed in response to the limited use of plants in biology education. Discusses methods to maintain both instructional rigor and student interest in the following topics: cut flowers, container-growing media, fertilizers, hydroponics,…

Discusses some of the remarkable capabilities and fascinating behavior of plants. Describes several simple experiments that young scientists can accomplish with plants to demonstrate their ability to sense, react, and adapt to their environment. (JJK)

An experiment in which students collect and analyze data on the population size of a real organism rather that on a model is presented. The activity allows for the integration of mathematics, graphing techniques, and the use of computers. The lesson is designed to follow the learning cycle format. (KR)

Last fall, "Science and Children" invited kindergarten to grade eight teachers to participate in a study investigating students' ideas about plants and plant growth (Barman et al. 2002). Two hundred twenty-seven individuals from 16 states in the United States, one U.S. Territory, and one Canadian Province responded to this invitation and…

Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Discovering Deserts." Contents are organized into the following…