Explains how the internet can be successfully used in science education by searching different web sites. Points out the dangers of the web such as accuracy of information, information overload, and availability of inappropriate materials. Recommends using web filters, instructing directions for internet searches, and using bookmarks. Uses…

Teaches concepts such as inertia, gravity, and friction using a "Lunch Box Derby" activity. Uses vegetables for the construction of race cars. Explains student approaches during the design and construction portion. Describes the rubrics used for student evaluation. (YDS)

Presents an environmental recreation program set up to initiate and improve upon the levels of personal and social functioning of the handicapped child. Programs are based in community centers or parks, in a neighborhood play area or near a woods. It is considered a nonthreatening approach. (EB)

Reports the findings of three National Science Foundation studies: (1) a survey of school administrators, supervisors, and teachers; (2) a literature search; and (3) a number of in-depth case studies conducted in a variety of school systems. (MA)

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)

If the organisms in a prairie ecosystem created a newspaper, what would it look like? What important news topics of the ecosystem would the organisms want to discuss? Imaginative and enthusiastic third-grade students were busy pondering these questions as they tried their hands at "ecosystem journalism." The class had recently completed…

Describes "Off the Beaten Path", a program that takes at-risk students out of the traditional classroom and puts them into a camping atmosphere in order to increase academic achievement, improve self-esteem, and promote better social skills. (WRM)

Discusses the Tadpoles Project at Schofield Middle School in Aiken, South Carolina. A basin was excavated to create a pond so that students could study various disciplines in a wetlands setting. Presents guidelines for obtaining support for such an effort. (NB)

Explains a leaf project on the classification of plants for fifth through eighth grade students. Integrates technology into the unit and studies the subject as an electronic file. Recommends incorporation of metacognitive strategies into students' learning processes. (YDS)

Introduces Project WRITE (World Resources for Integrated Thematic Education). Features six science-based units that include "American Revolution: People and Technology", "A Look Inside Ourselves", "Westward Ho!", "Animals and Humans Living Together", "Environmental Awareness", and "1800s: The…

An astronomer gives teachers tips on learning how to look at the night sky then on passing along personal instruction to students. Presents ideas for finding information through astronomers at colleges, science museums, planetariums, research observatories, and on the World Wide Web. Contains a resource list and foldout poster of galaxies with…

Uses technology to teach science courses to elementary teachers. Involves microcomputers and discusses the motivator role of technology. Introduces the course that is designed for prospective teachers and explains reasons for the development of the course. (YDS)

The challenge for today's elementary teachers is not "whether" but rather "how" to use computers to effectively teach students essential skills and concepts. One exciting way of meeting this challenge is to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer software that captures, manipulates, analyzes, and displays data on specialized layered…

Focuses on three approaches to integrated instruction: (1) literature-based; (2) theme-based; and (3) project-based. Each approach is explained and illustrated through descriptions of successful classroom examples. Literature-based integration utilizes a story to build a unit, thematic units are built around a topic, and project-based integration…

An innovative zoo outreach program, Our Zoo to You, places zoo animals in local classrooms for extended observation periods. With guidance and support from zoo staff, students are able to safely experience a variety of animals, including geckos, snakes, legless lizards, horned toads, ringneck doves, ferrets, hedgehogs, African brown millipedes,…