Children love nonfiction books, and their reading of such texts has shown a strong relationship between science achievement and informational reading and writing abilities. How can elementary teachers capitalize on this natural affinity and make the most effective use of nonfiction trade books in their classroom? There are numerous strategies to…

When a commercial pilot steps into the cockpit of an airplane, it has been serviced by a host of personnel and will be supported by many more from takeoff to landing. In more and more places, when an elementary school teacher steps into inquiry-centered science instruction, his or her materials have been carefully prepared by a team of experts,…

Describes elementary school activities in which the students learn to associate the length of a shadow cast by an object with the position of the sun in the sky, thus allowing the students to form an operational definition of high noon. (MLH)

Describes the author's experiences in using individualized or small-group, self-contained learning units (kits) to teach science. Problems encountered and procedures used in the development of these kits are included. (PEB)

Describes activities dealing with the surface tension of water designed to capture interest and raise questions in students. (BR)

Surface tension, a characteristic of liquids, is discussed in this article. Several activities appropriate to the elementary grades are described and explained. Each activity uses common materials to explore this tendancy of water to act as if it were surrounded by a membrane. (MA)

This article reviews the Exploring Science elementary series by Laidlaw Brothers. Evaluation is on the basis of content, format, program features, student evaluation, and teachers' edition. The program is a blend of traditional and new hands-on activities. Emphasis is more content than process oriented, especially in the upper grades. (Author/MA)

Lists and answers the ten questions most frequently asked by teachers in inservice programs on metric system education. Questions include ones about reasons for converting to metrics and successful methods, activities, and materials for teaching metrics. (CS)

Study of Canada Goose in schools can provide opportunities for many activities such as poetry writing, art, ecosystems, and outdoor education. Provides some background information about these birds. (PS)

The concept of energy consumption can be learned by role playing, using jelly beans as units of energy with children as primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers. Follow-up questions are suggested for further discussion. (PS)

Describes activities for learning the metric system of measurement in elementary school classrooms. (PS)