This book provides information to help create a themed science fair for childen in grades 4-6. Illustrated instructions and checklists for each of the 100 plus experiments are provided, plus ideas for teachers and students to vary experiments for additional scientific discovery. The experiments are written in age-appropriate language so that…

This article describes a science learning experience in which intermediate grade students launched balloons with attached postcards to study wind currents. More than 200 (of over 900 balloons) were returned, and their analysis supported the students' hypothesis about the direction of wind currents. (DB)

The concept of controlled experimentation is a skill that all students leaving high school should master. Teachers often attempt to find exciting and fun methods to expose students to this valuable skill. This science activity guide allows students to construct model rockets in an attempt to improve their abilities to conduct controlled…

Provides guidelines for simple acceleration experiments with string and attached weights as a means to stimulate the reticular activating system (RAS) of the human brain. Several methods (discrepant events, curiosity, choices, and doubt) are suggested for promoting RAS high-level thought. String drop experiments provide concrete experiences with…

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)

Suggests a simple technique for collecting and observing human hair roots to compare structure, function, and variation. Students extract their own hair samples and view them using a 40-power microscope objective. Differences between active/inactive phases of hair growth are readily observed. (The activity can be adapted for younger students.) (DH)

Background information, lists of materials needed, and procedures are provided for 12 electrochemistry experiments. The experiments involve investigating: (1) a simple electrical circuit; (2) how a doorbell works; (3) how a two-way switch works; (4) conductors and insulators; (5) controlling current with a pencil; (6) what an electrolyte is; (7)…

Offers suggestions for activities that demonstrate the principles of osmosis. Explains how decalcified chicken eggs can be used to give students practice with measurement, experimental procedures, and science principles. (ML)

Background information, lists of materials needed and procedures used are provided for 16 simple experiments on electricity and magnetism. These experiments are organized into sections dealing with: (1) Edison's carbon experiments (building a galvanometer, investigating the variable conductivity of carbon, and examining the carbon transmitter…

Offers guidelines and suggests activities that can introduce middle school students to the process and principles of chromatography in an inexpensive and safe manner. Proposes that experiences with Kool-aid and food coloring chromatography can provide insights into how scientists think, work, and communicate. (ML)

Presents two lesson plans for: (1) a long-term project where students use simple materials to investigate a nearby aquatic habitat; and (2) hay infusions (jars with water and hay), one of which receives a plant fertilizer. (DH)

What organisms have adapted to life in environments ranging from the ocean floor to desert sands, from frigid the tundra to the deepest, darkest jungle? None other than plants! From microscopic algae to the largest trees, millions of plant species have evolved in every habitat on the planet. In Plant Biodiversity, learn how plants developed in the…

Plants are vital to all other life on this planet - without them, there would be no food, shelter or oxygen. Luckily, over millions of years plants have developed many different features in order to survive and reproduce. In Plant Reproduction, students will discover that primitive mosses and algae are dependent upon water for their reproduction.…

Provides instructions for constructing a model passive-solar house from a sturdy cardboard box and other readily available materials. By constructing the house and performing related experiments, students begin to understand some of the major principles of solar energy. (JN)

Describes: the chemical history of a pencil; a simple solar camera for measuring the sun's diameter; the experimental comparison of the thermal stability of metal carbonates; and the introduction of the concept of weight as a force to young children. A computer program listing on color mixing is also provided. (JN)