Discussed is the possibility that the salmon found in the Columbia River (Idaho) is an endangered species. A list of threatened or endangered animal species in the Pacific Northwest is included. Activities that deal with the topics of diversity, endangered species, and what is being done about them are provided. (KR)

Presents the experience of a Canadian Science-Technology-Society (STS) curriculum project as an indication of the problems that likely follow from attempts to introduce a STS curriculum piecemeal. These problems include redundancy within school curriculum and reduced time for science concept and term acceptability of the STS proposals. (PR)

Reports a study (n=27) concerning the knowledge about image formation exhibited by students following instruction in geometrical optics in an activity-based college physics course for prospective elementary teachers. Student diagrams and verbal comments indicate their knowledge can be described as an intermediate state: a hybridization of…

This theme unit includes elementary-level language arts, math, science, art, and critical-thinking activities about gardening. A full-color poetry mini-poster and an idea for growing a special Mother's Day tea are also included. Students learn about different types of gardens as they grow their own plants, and develop a vocabulary of flower names.…

Describes creative methods of teaching elementary level science: eighth-grade hands-on experiments are made with rare rocks and gems via a "Mining by Mail" program; third-grade students use the "I Wonder" approach to examine questions of interest; process skills are adapted for different age levels. A staff development folder…

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in reading and language arts, science, and social studies. Library skills, objectives, grade levels, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. Topics include poetry, memory, plant/animal…

Sooner Elementary Engineering and Science Clubs (SeeS) began less than four years ago at a single elementary school as an effort to bring more science education into our local elementary schools without increasing the burden on the school's teachers. Due to popular demand, the program expanded slowly at first, but is doubling to include eight…

Describes a summer institute for elementary secondary science teachers held at the University of California, Irvine, which is designed to update and refine the scientific knowledge of the teachers and to build a scientific foundation for crossover teachers who are teaching without an adequate science background. (TW)

Reports on a study of possible differences in interaction patterns between a sixth-grade teacher and different groups of students. Results showed consistency in the interactions studied, but important differences occurred in the quality and quantity with students perceived as "best" and "weakest" and boys and girls in…

Describes the changes and trends in elementary school science in Great Britain. Discusses the justification for the development of programs at the elementary school level and some of the essentials of good practice. Indicates some of the myths about elementary science and provides guidelines for progressing from elementary to secondary science.…

Consists of activities which address the causes of habitat destruction and the effects of habitat loss on animals and plants. Identifies habitat loss as the major reason for the endangerment and extinction of plant and animal species. (ML)

Addresses concerns related to how educational software can be designed to accommodate a constructivist approach to learning. Describes features of software which are consistent with a constructivist view and cites examples of physics materials which are appropriate. (ML)

Discusses the importance of interpretive programs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Describes the typical interpretive approach of local school science curricula, which serve 20,000 Aboriginal children. Addresses the curriculum framework, learning strategies, and process skill development, illustrating them through a lesson on mangroves. (TW)

Discusses the importance of the use of models in modern science. Suggests that models can make a significant contribution to the teaching of science and mathematics. Explains that representative models, analogue models, logical models, and theoretical models are most commonly used models in science and mathematics. (TW)

Describes the World Studies 8-13 Project, a national curriculum program developed through a cooperative effort in Great Britain. Discusses the purposes of the project, which includes the teaching of world issues to younger children. Outlines the major topics covered by the materials. (TW)