Describes the intellectual development stages ascribed to children by Jean Piaget. Characteristics and examples are given for sensori-motor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational thinking periods. Implications are given for elementary school science education, including (1) formal instruction does not accelerate acquisition…

Criticism is offered concerning the biases of exhibits in science and technology centers provided by industries. Some are said to promote the activities of the industry and ignore the chance to challenge visitors by presenting balanced information. (SA)

Presents information on the bone wars of the frontier West, the smartest dinosaur, current topics in paleontology research, and how to bring a study of fossils to life with hands-on activities. (DDR)

Describes interesting problems encountered when building a model of the solar system in an elementary classroom. Uses mathematics and technology to help solve problems and answer questions. Finds that investigating misconceptions can lead to exciting science lessons. (NB)

This list, published by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council, contains titles and annotations of outstanding science trade books. It is also a popular service for teachers and media specialists. The books are grouped by topic areas including anthropology and paleontology, biography, Earth science, environment…

Describes a garden project by elementary students in an urban school. Students chose to rehabilitate a courtyard area and have since created three separate gardens including a butterfly garden. The project was a collaborative endeavor involving parents and other community members working with students and their teachers. (DLH)

Discusses ecosystem management, including monitoring and assessment, innovative management, humans in the ecosystem, diversity, balance, and cycles. Provides classroom activity ideas. (MKR)

Points out the motivating effects of puppets, books, and animals on children's learning. Warns against books that may include incorrect scientific concepts and suggests the use of puppets. Recommends puppets, prose books, and internet sites. (YDS)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit that combines science and technology as a social-historical study on Arcadian dikes. Promotes an authentic task for assessment. Provides a student resource materials packet and activity sheet. (ASK)

Describes a teaching method used to tackle a team project in which students may use every form of communication except speech. Students must analyze a problem and collaboratively develop and test possible solutions without talking. This process often changes preconceived ideas about themselves and others, and about scientific knowledge and problem…

Describes a unit involving the study of birds in order to help students become more aware of and appreciate their natural surroundings. (MKR)

Analyzes the role of standards in science curriculum development and professional development. Discusses the difficulty of interpreting standards and describes experiences from a curriculum forum. (YDS)

Introduces the Geographic Information System (GIS) and its applications in interdisciplinary teaching approaches. Specifically focuses on natural resource management. Explains the data collection process of GIS and areas in which this technology is used. Makes recommendations for the classroom use of GIS. (YDS)

Questions the teaching and learning strategies that meet the needs of children with limited English-speaking skills. Makes suggestions to determine student stages of language development depending on cognitive ability and beginning, intermediate, and advanced ability. Lists basic teaching, learning, and assessment strategies for science lessons.…