This study describes how students' intuitions about sampling are informed by extended experiences in investigating local ecosystems. Elementary students in a rural/suburban district in the upper midwest spent a year conducting first-hand comparative field studies of nearby ponds, prairies, and forests. At the close of the term, we conducted…

Beginning readers' motivation to read and the texts they choose to read impact on their literacy achievement and willingness to engage with reading activities in the primary years of schooling. This study investigated the eBook reading experiences of eight grade 1 students. Eight students were given ten 25-minute sessions with the software…

Investigated changes in the helping relationship between eighth- and first-grade students during a semester-long cross-age tutoring project. Results are reported for eight categories of behavioral interaction: on task, prompting and guiding, praise and encouragement, adjusting to the child's needs, managing behavior problems, allowing autonomous…

Argues that it is essential to encourage young children to have a protective relationship toward nature and aesthetic values. Describes classroom activities such as the caring of house plants or nature walks. Discusses how sensory experiences can be used to develop ecological attitudes and values. (CFR)