Describes a miniscience unit on frogs for elementary grades that teaches students about how frogs develop from tadpoles and how frogs need water during their entire life cycle. Students learn such skills as observation, collecting, and recording data. Provides addresses for ordering resources for teachers and students. (SM)

The article presents inexpensive activities to teach elementary school students about electromagnets. Students learn to make an electromagnet with a battery, nail, and wire, then different activities help them explore the difference between permanent magnets and electromagnets. (SM)

One of the most difficult jobs of elementary school teachers is teaching science for conceptual understanding. Conceptual understanding requires students to organize facts and ideas into a meaningful concept in science. Facts and concepts form webs that can help students make connections between the concepts of science and their experiences.…

Project AIMS (Activities to Integrate Mathematics and Science) has as its purpose the integration of subject matter in grades K-9. Field testing of the curriculum materials produced by AIMS indicates that this interpretation produces the following beneficial results: (1) mathematics becomes more meaningful, hence more useful; (2) science is…

Presents a variety of outdoor and classroom activities in which soil is used to teach environmental concepts and to provide students with science process skills practice. Areas considered include: site selection and description; compaction; infiltration rate; temperature; components; water content; and microorganisms. (DH)

Suggests using funnels and tunnels in combination with water, blocks, transportation toys, and other materials to help teach preschoolers to make predictions. Many examples are included for using funnels to understand properties of liquids and for using tunnels to predict order. (DH)

Discusses six strategies for improving student attitudes toward science. It is suggested that teachers: project a credible image; take advantage of social/environmental influences; identify unique student needs; be aware of present student attitudes and skills; use discrepant events to teach science; and involve students in the process of…

Some of the best recent films and videos for classroom use are described. Topics include the natural world, animals, self concept, safety, and maps. Addresses of distributors are listed. (MT)

Presents activity ideas for using insects in art and craft projects. Each activity includes recommended age level(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. Although geared for art, the activities can be used to complement activities in science, mathematics, and other subjects. (JN)

Presents (1) background information explaining how paleontologists solve dinosaur mysteries using fossil clues; (2) activities on this topic; and (3) ready-to-copy student materials. Each activity includes an objective, list of materials needed, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), and instructional strategies. (JN)

Presents lists of materials needed and procedures to make foggy scenes with wax paper; create snowflake patterns with cut straws; and make a wind sock to record wind speed/direction. Although geared for arts and crafts, the activities can be used to complement activities in science or other subjects. (JN)

List of materials needed and procedures are provided for (1) making wobbly bird figures out of plastic pantyhose eggs; and (2) making parrot puppets out of household items. Although geared for art, the activities can be used to complement activities in science or other subjects. (JN)

List of materials needed and procedures are provided for (1) making earth paintings from soil-made paint and (2) making a paper-mache giant saguaro cactus. Although geared for art, the activities can be used to complement activities in science or other subjects. (DH)

Describes an experiment designed to introduce students to chromatographic techniques. Also describes a teacher demonstration in which leaves obtained during the spring and fall are analyzed using chromatography. Procedures for both the experiment and the demonstration are outlined. (JN)

Presents a game involving various changes in the population of coyotes through the seasons of the year. Rules, guidelines for student participation, a game board, and game cards (which may be reproduced for classroom use) are included. (DH)