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Describes an instructional approach to teach students the importance of recycling and motivate them to recycle. Explains the history of papermaking and the process of paper making. (YDS)

One set of ideas at the core of the National Science Education Standards (NSES) Science and Technology Standards is that of engaging middle school students in activities that help them develop their understandings of technological design. More precisely, students should be able to identify appropriate problems for technological design, design a solution or product, implement a proposed design, evaluate completed technological designs or products, and communicate the process of technological design. This article describes a simple yet effective classroom activity that can help students achieve many of these learning goals. The activity, called Paper Towers, offers a challenging and engaging way to introduce students to the central tenets of technological design. This type of lesson helps students build a more complete understanding of the meaning of science and technology as put forward by the NSES--and students have fun in the process. (Contains 2 figures and 3 online resources.)

Describes making paper with simple materials. (PR)

Provides ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of scientific concepts and skills. Describes a mini-unit around the cold in which students can relate humans to viruses. Includes activities and a modified simulation that provides questions to guide students. Discusses ways that allows students to apply prior knowledge, take ownership of the learning process, and assist in shaping the outcomes. (KHR)

Uses engineering projects to make students create design prototypes of paper airplanes in order to teach the scientific principle of flight. (ASK)

Describes an alternative approach to the familiar paper cup and seed project in which students make grass heads out of nylon mesh stockings, sawdust, wire, rubber bands, plastic eyes, and grass seed. Students can observe the effects of light, sprouting rates, and the height and color of the sprouts on these grass heads. This creative activity is designed to interest students in photosynthesis. (DKM)

Describes a nine-week unit that focuses on student development of science-based contraptions that work. Students are allowed to design, construct, and test a device of interest that performs a simple task, such as picking up a paper towel or turning a page in a book. (ZWH)

Presents a project in which one science class, curious about large numbers, created one million marks on paper. Discusses other concrete representations of one million and other large numbers. (MKR)

Presents an activity that tests the absorbency of different brands of paper towels. Suggests making this activity into an open-ended inquiry type of activity. Includes sample questions to guide students, topics for class discussion, and sample methods of using the absorbency activity. (KHR)

Describes experiences in preparing for the National Board Certification process which allows a teacher an incomparable opportunity to evolve into a better educator and an accomplished teacher. (ASK)

Describes an activity that focuses on the question: How hard is it to break spaghetti noodles? Students design their own experiment that involves hanging a cup of pennies from a piece of spaghetti by a paper clip and investigate how many pennies the noodle can support without breaking. (DDR)

Presents two construction activities that address both state and federal science standards and encourage students to consider career options in mathematics and science. Includes floating concrete and paper bridge activities. (YDS)

Describes a demonstration of static charge using balloons and crystals to illustrate the electrical nature of matter. Building on the classic physics demonstration that uses pieces of paper and a plastic rod, this approach adds a new dimension of chemistry. Offers suggestions for how to discuss the observed phenomenon. (DLH)