Letters

Teaching Pre K-8, May 2004

Out with the old...

Teaching K-8 gives me ideas for my work as a substitute teacher. Daniel Engstrom's article, "From Old 2 New," in your March 2004 issue, was great. I pick up a lot of old crayons every day, and now I have something to do with them besides throwing them in the trash can. Thanks for the great idea.

Steve Smith

via e-mail

...in with the new

The article "From Old 2 New" (March 2004) refers to "metal fish-shaped molds" in which the crayons are made. I've been searching for the molds everywhere, but I've had no luck. I would like to find out where those molds were purchased. I hope you can help me in this matter. Thank you.

Lori Gelinas

via e-mail

Editor's note: Daniel Engstrom, the author of "From Old 2 New," says he purchased the metal fish-shaped molds locally, at a candy-making supply store. Checking kitchen-supply shops in your area may yield similar molds. Good luck!

Drawing applause

What a thrill it was to see Teaching K-8's article about me ("Susan Striker: Outside the Lines," March, 2004). It was beautifully written. I enjoyed the afternoon I spent with Teaching K-8's Associate Editor Kate Romano. The fun we had is reflected in the story!

Susan Striker

Easton, CT

Matter is the matter

I enjoyed reading Michael Naylor's article "Turn Up the Volume" (March 2004). I'm an instructional specialist for intermediate teachers, and I'm currently on a committee that's rewriting our science curriculum. I read Mr. Naylor's article the day after we'd been brain-storming ways to demonstrate that all matter has volume. The article gave us more ideas.

However, we're still struggling to find a way to show that gas has volume. We've tried tying an inflated balloon to a syringe and releasing the air into the syringe to measure how much had been in the balloon, but the visual didn't have much impact - the syringe barely moved. Do you have other ideas for us? Thanks for your help.

Angie Kapotas

Wheeling, IL

Michael Naylor replies: I imagine the trouble with the syringe is that air is compressible, so it's hard to measure its volume. Try filling a tub - ideally, a fish tank - with water. Submerge a volumetric flask and turn it upside down. It should contain no air, just water. Run a tube from the end of an inflated balloon into the submerged flask. Release the balloon's air into the flask and watch it fill.

Volumes of praise

Michael Naylor's article, "Turn Up the Volume" (March 2004) was great. I teach the concept of volume in my sixth grade class, and I'll surely borrow some of his ideas.

Tim Colglazier

Brownsville, TX