A science unit on clocks demonstrates the need to control variables to obtain reliable results from an experiment. Two activities, one for beginners and one for advanced students, are included. Directions for making a sundial are offered. (MT)

This science unit focuses on measuring skills using students' own sneakers and the unit of measure. Two activities with differing levels of difficulty are presented. (MT)

Described is a workshop for grades 5-8 school teachers and students related to synthetic polymers. Participants become familiar with polymer theory and practice experiments they can use in class. Sources of materials used in the workshop are listed. (RH)

Orthodontic braces and how they work are discussed. A science unit and task card on teeth is provided. (MT)

Math can be the sort of homework parents respect, children enjoy, and teachers savor. Suggestions for achieving this are offered. (MT)

One of a series of statements focusing on children's basic rights, this brief essay asserts that all children need an environment where the act of imagining and its expression are respected and given visible outlets. (RH)

Summarizes findings from a National Catholic Educational Association study of the characteristics of excellent Catholic elementary schools. Highlights findings regarding philosophy, policies, leadership, curriculum, religious education, relationships, decision making, instructional methods and materials, finances, staffing, parents/community,…

The slime mold Physarum polycephalum provides an easily maintained classroom plant which can act like an animal. Directions are given for: acquiring the organism; activating it; observing its life cycle; and viewing protoplasmic streaming. (DH)

Tree frogs are small (2-5 cm) animals which not only interest students but also can be maintained in classrooms for a few days. Characteristics (species, ranges, habitat, reproductive cycle, and locomotion) and housing/care needs are described. Long-term maintenance is not recommended due to the difficulty of providing live food. (DH)

Describes some square-number patterns that fourth-grade students and their teacher discovered. These discoveries began as students pushed wooden cubes together to make square arrangements. (JN)

Suggests using crickets for classroom activities, providing background information on their anatomy and reproduction and tips on keeping individual organisms or a breeding colony in the classroom. (JN)

Graphing skills are growing in importance in our information society, presenting facts and concepts in newspapers, magazines, and on television. Graphs incorporated into teaching develop children's problem-solving skills. Ways to use graphs in the classroom are discussed, and examples are given. (MT)

Spreadsheet software allows manipulation of information, helps children to find answers to questions, and encourages them to ask others. Once the teacher sets up the spreadsheet, the program does the work, showing children they can calculate anything, even when their arithmetic skills cannot. (MT)

Helping students prepare for the annual achievement test is the focus. The structure of the test and how test makers anticipate wrong answers is explored with students. (MNS)

This publication is a transcription of a forum held in Washington, D.C. on May 5, 2005 on K-6 math proficiency. James Hiebert, professor of education at the University of Delware, and Deborah Loewengerg Ball, collegiate professor of mathematics education and teacher education and director of teacher education at the University of Michigan, spoke…