Have you ever played in the dirt? Repotted a plant? Planted a garden? In each and every one of these activities, you touched something that is a valuable resource in our lives--dirt! This month's column has students investigating different aspects of something that is right beneath our feet but plays an important role in the daily lives of many…

Introduces two trade books that can be used as an instructional tool to promote scientific thinking and science process skills among children. (YDS)

Several examples of children's literature which contain one or more of the conceptual themes of: (1) change through time, (2) diversity of type and unity of pattern in living things or (3) the complementary relationship between organism and environment are abstracted. (CP)

The books that appear in this annotated bibliography were selected as outstanding elementary science trade books published in 1977. The books were evaluated by a committee appointed by the National Science Teachers Association and the Childrens Book Council. Most books are for grades K through 6. (MDR)

Compares textbooks and trade books for elementary grade levels. Recommends integrating trade books into hands-on science during the introduction of terms and examples. Points out the role of book content on elementary students' concept formation. Makes recommendations for selecting the right books for teaching science. (YDS)

Describes strategies that use trade books to teach science to primary students. Strategies include (1) developing concepts and vocabulary; (2) using concrete manipulatives to reinforce learning; (3) encouraging retelling; (4) developing class summaries; and (5) developing visual imagery. (MDH)