Presents hands-on science activities using inexpensive, hand-held microscopes and slides made from simple, readily available materials. The article describes how to introduce students to microscopes and presents directions for using the microscopes and making slides. A student page investigates fingerprints with microscopes. (SM)

The Moon's cycle of phases is one of the most familiar natural phenomena, yet also one of the most misunderstood. This probably comes as no surprise, but research has found that a significant segment of the population, including both elementary students and teachers, mistakenly believes that the Moon's phases are caused by the shadow of the Earth.…

The author discusses Moh's hardness scale, a comparative scale for minerals, whereby the softest mineral (talc) is placed at 1 and the hardest mineral (diamond) is placed at 10, with all other minerals ordered in between, according to their hardness. Development history of the scale is outlined, as well as a description of how the scale is used…

The exciting world of plants may be something of a mystery to many children, and the often-dry content of a curriculum taught indoors inhibits real understanding of many complex biological processes. Moving outdoors opens up an unexplored world and presents rich opportunities for imaginative learning. The "Life processes and living…

This article describes a four-year project undertaken to develop a set of performance tasks that could be used for assessing hands-on science in Irish primary schools. It begins by considering some of the literature on performance assessment and concludes with a discussion on the potential of the tasks to support teaching and learning in science.…

Long Island Sound is an estuary of national significance and provides important economic, recreational, and aesthetic value to the citizens of Connecticut and New York. Investigations have been conducted regarding living marine resources and nutrient loading. However, Long Island Sound is often overlooked as an educational resource. This guide is…

This report describes an inquiry-based Earth systems curriculum and strategies for teaching diverse students, which were embedded in the curriculum. The curriculum was implemented with 5th-grade students with varied linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds in five schools in a large, southeastern U.S., urban school district. At the end…

Twelve desk-top experiments and demonstrations which illustrate properties of and facts about gas are presented. Each experiment includes: purpose, materials needed, instructions, and a list of facts and properties that have been observed. Several of the activities also include questions for students and items for discussion. The topics of the…

Kite flying as a fun class project is proposed as a way of letting students apply what they've learned about air. A design for a kite made from a trash bag is provided, as are kite flying tips and resources. (MT)

A study is described which demonstrates that children create naive theories of science that are highly resistant to change, even when other concepts are seemingly understood. Ways of promoting conceptual change in children's understandings of how the world works are suggested. (MT)

Magic can stimulate children to think creatively and retain what they learn. This article offers tips and step-by-step instructions to bring magic into the classroom. Children learn scientific principles, are required to read and follow sequential instructions, and are encouraged to stand in front of the class. (MT)

Several ideas for observing insects and soil animals in the classroom are provided. Also provided are: (1) procedures for making insect cages with milk cartons; (2) suggestions for collecting and feeding insects; and (3) techniques for collecting and identifying soil animals. (BC)

Presents answers to 11 basic questions for teachers involved in science fairs. Selection of topics, judging criteria, parental cooperation, project safety, state/national competitions, and other topics are addressed. Each answer includes references to other related literature. (DH)

Examines the nature and use of open (divergent) questions with elementary school children. Includes the teacher's role, "think time," and the types of answers that students can be expected to give. (JN)

Highlights are presented from a March 1989 national opinion poll on science teaching. According to the results of the poll, teachers feel that time and budget constraints impede science instruction. Findings are also presented on teaching methods, computer use, and teacher preparation. (IAH)