Presents an activity to create a garden to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Students increase their environmental awareness and discover the rewards of community service. (NB)

Presents three lesson scenarios using inquiry/discovery and lecture/discussion methods and discusses the specific instructional strategies that each employs. The first two scenarios demonstrate how these strategies and their supporting tools and activities are applied in a single content area while the third one shows how inquiry/discovery…

Introduces an activity for fifth grade elementary students on water, cohesion, and adhesion. Provides a list of necessary materials and includes a checklist for performance based assessment. Recommends follow up experiments for testing cohesive property with different liquids. (YDS)

Describes an approach that motivates preservice teachers to become involved in the scientific experience. The approach involves a science demonstration or activity that is done both in and out of class in which students report observations using a Vee diagram. Includes assessment procedures. (DDR)

Explains the role and importance of standards in inquiry-based science teaching and preservice teachers' understanding of Science Teaching Standard A. Focuses on History Content Standard G of the National Science Education Standards (NSES). (YDS)

Introduces two national studies designed for K-8 preservice and inservice teachers. The first study concerns students' views of science and scientists, while the second study examines students' ideas about animals. Points out the importance of having teachers conduct classroom research, which is a part of professional development. (YDS)

Explains the process of using science journals with first and second grade students in three activities to explore the instructional sequence. Suggests some strategies to use journals more effectively and makes recommendations on important points for student evaluation. (YDS)

The grocery store produce section used to be a familiar but rather dull place. There were bananas next to the oranges next to the limes. Broccoli was next to corn and lettuce. Apples and pears, radishes and onions, eggplants and zucchinis all lay in their appropriate bins. Those days are over. Now, broccoli may be next to bok choy, potatoes beside…

This article discusses professional development that offers practical tips for elementary teachers to implement in their classrooms right away. The programs at the Institute of Math, Science, and Technology Education at Texas Christian University at Fort Worth, Texas, offer a professional development model. In this successful collaborative, formed…

When one thinks of a "concept map," they usually think of a chartlike graphic that describes a concept and its various relationships, with general concepts at the top, specific supporting concepts toward the bottom, and words and lines showing the connections and flow between the concepts. Some think of concept maps as tools for teachers of upper…

With the talk of "accountability" and "progress" in schools across the country, it's no wonder that assessment is on everyone's minds. And, it should be. Well designed pre- and postassessments provide students with a clear idea of what they are expected to know after a set of learning experiences. Effective assessments also help teachers hone…

Literature concerned with the preservice preparation of elementary school teachers in science and science teaching methods, both research studies and program guidelines, was reviewed along with studies of the status of elementary school science teaching. Most reports reviewed concluded that the present teacher education programs are an inadequate…

The author defines and discusses the handicapped child and what mainstreaming will mean to both the child and teacher. Statistics are given indicating eight million school-age children are handicapped to the point they need special education. What state legislation and the judicial system are doing about this is discussed. (EB)

Assesses the current energy problems and considers possible solutions. (MDR)

Ten hypothetical problems are described which should enable students to understand fundamental concepts of the solar system. (PS)