Described is the use of ordinary ceramic magnets to replace the more expensive bar magnets commonly used. Suggestions for 11 task cards to help introduce children to the uses and principles of magnetism are provided. (CW)

Described are eight science activities that may take place on a school playground using a parachute, balls, swings, slides, and a balance beam. Procedures and questions for each activity are included. (CW)

Presented is an activity that includes a poster of an African elephant and discussion questions, a class project, a model project, and a follow-up activity. (CW)

Reviewed are previous studies that have examined adults' and children's ability to understand verbal directions. Differences in style and the implications of these differences for educating children are discussed. (CW)

Described is a third-grade science unit using feathers. Children use the feathers to learn about measurement, observation, and inference. Procedures and results are discussed. (CW)

Presents an integrated approach that helps students understand difficult science concepts. Involves counteracting children's confusion over certain concepts, confronting children's misconceptions through inquiry, and presenting a multitude of experiences that challenge children's erroneous beliefs. Presents an example of applying this approach to…

One creative way that elementary science educators can teach their students about animal communication is to give them glow sticks and a set of cards with descriptions of what different firefly flash signals mean. The paper describes such a project and presents related activities. (SM)

Describes the construction and use of simple optical aids that allow the amateur scientist to safely observe sunspots and solar eclipses and also to measure the sun's rotation. (five references) (JJK)

Fourteen examples are given of teacher-created day-long celebrations which are designed to sharpen students' thinking skills and incorporate math, science, reading, and language arts. The special days include Janus Day, Twins Day, Friendship Day, Interactive Reading Fair, Sixties Day, Clash Day, Generation Day, and Back-to-the-Future Day. (IAH)

Presented is an in-class earth science activity on the weathering of rocks. The materials, procedures, and results of this activity are discussed. (CW)

A hands-on science project on watersheds helps elementary students understand the water cycle. The unit, which focuses on the fact that all living things need water and that watersheds are sources of water for rivers and streams, teaches students to observe, make inferences, predict, and draw conclusions. (SM)

Presents hands-on spring science activities to help elementary students think and act like scientists. Students use the scientific process to make connections between life, physical, and earth science. Activities look at insects, flowers, trees, the sun, and the earth's rotation around the sun. (SM)

The article explains how students keep work portfolios and exhibit portfolios to organize their written work and showcase their accomplishments in science; it also explains how students learn about scientific concepts through hands-on research and how portfolios are integral to the program. Teacher tips are included. (SM)

Books that appear in this annotated bibliography were selected as outstanding children's science trade books published in 1992. They are intended for prekindergarten to eighth grade and were evaluated by educators and librarians. Selection is based on three criteria: the book is accurate and readable; and its text, format, and illustrations are…

Explains how archaeologists who found the "Mesa Site" in Northern Alaska used evidence to make interpretations about America's earliest settlers. Includes related science activities and a color poster. (PR)