Shows how flexible electric boards can be made from manila folders, strips of foil, and a battery. These boards are lightweight, and the electrical pattern can easily be changed. (JN)

Research on the attitudes of elementary school pupils toward mathematics is briefly summarized. Included are the points that most elementary school children like mathematics and that few differences are found between the attitudes of boys and girls. Some suggestions on what teachers can do to improve attitudes are given. (MNS)

Directions are given to students for making a time line showing scientific and mathematical happenings. Educational uses of this activity are discussed. (DT)

This book presents an assessment model, developed from studies in two schools in Hawaii, that uses student-led conferences and the progress folio process to help students elevate their expectations as they progress through elementary school. The chapters are: (1) "Children First"; (2) "Bridging Learning Goals and Instruction";…

Teacher action research is a powerful tool for change that begins with teachers conducting research in their own schools and classrooms in order to discover how to do something in a better way. This book contains a collection of action research reports written by seven elementary teachers (K-4) who were in their first year of implementation of…

A comprehensive mathematics preparation component for the elementary school teacher education program at Oregon State University is described. Recommendations influencing the program are listed and the curriculum is described. (MNS)

The elementary science teacher is encouraged to present students with exciting and satisfying learning experiences in order to develop positive attitudes towards science. (CS)

Discusses the use of drill in learning basic math facts and provides suggestions for developing good practice in reading for communication at fifth grade and beyond. (Author/RK)

Concrete materials lead young students to abstract conclusions. (Editor)

Describes how one urban elementary school turned itself around to become one of the best in the country by using handwriting as a common focus. The emphasis on handwriting served as a springboard for student achievement across the curriculum. A sidebar presents "Diagnosis through Handwriting," a guide to detecting children's allergic reactions.…

Presents a group of 21 innovative science activities from teachers nationwide designed to sharpen elementary students knowledge of science. The article is part of a package of 100 creative ideas for keeping elementary students enthused about learning in language arts, science, social studies, and math. (SM)

Presents the conclusions of the Economics Association's Primary Economic Awareness Working Group. Discusses the need for economic awareness instruction in the British elementary schools. Offers examples and identifies sources of support for economic awareness instruction. Argues that economics education can be developed as a continuum in the…

Describes how teachers can help primary students study nature and explore the outdoors. The article explains how teachers should give nature studies priority, gather students' ideas on the subjects, assemble an exploration toolbox, measure off spots to study, dig in, return to the classroom, and create cross-curricular activities. (SM)

Shared reading lets elementary teachers show children what reading is about. Teachers read the text aloud and encourage students to read along. All levels of readers can participate. Teachers can do letter or sound searches to help children understand how to use what they know about letters and spelling patterns in order to read unfamiliar words.…

Presents three activities for teaching elementary students about the built-in mechanisms that help warm-blooded animals maintain constant internal body temperatures. The activities help students understand why humans sweat, why dogs pant, and why blubber keeps whales warm in frigid water. (SM)