In light of extensive research demonstrating widespread misconceptions about electricity, this paper describes a learning study that targeted the most likely source of difficulty--failure of middle school pupils to develop a mental model that serves as a bridge between static and current electricity. During the intervention, pupils first envision…

In a 2012 blog post, John Maeda discusses the idea that while science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education plays an important role in innovation, limitations exist when we focus exclusively on STEM. Maeda advocates for the addition of the "A" for Art to the acronym, insisting that the arts promote the creativity and…

"Energy" is a term often used in everyday language. Even young children associate energy with the food they eat, feeling tired after playing soccer, or when asked to turn the lights off to save light energy. However, they may not have the scientific conceptual understanding of energy at this age. Teaching energy and matter could be…

The author suggests activities about simple food chains as a way of teaching elementary students concepts of energy needs, energy consumption, and energy transfer. (SJL)

Describes energy related investigations which can be performed in the elementary classroom utilizing the yo-yo. (SL)

Reviews two new curriculum materials kits, including the Wide World of Energy and the Playmobil System. (SL)

Presents excerpts from the speech given by Hugh Downs at the elementary science luncheon, 1975 national convention of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), in Los Angeles last March. (PEB)

Describes the construction of paddle boats and inquiries that can be made with the boats. (SL)

The 10 lessons presented in this guide are designed to: create an awareness of the present energy situation and its relation to various aspects of transportation systems; provide knowledge of energy resources, choices, and alternative actions; develop critical thinking skills about energy and individual roles in the energy management process;…

One hundred energy education activities comprise this manual for elementary school teachers. Two or three lessons, which deal with each of seven energy-related conceptual schemes, are provided for every grade level. These experience-oriented activities emphasize questions, observations, and class discussion. Lesson plans include directions for…

Presents an eight-page teaching guide on energy education for use in elementary school classrooms. Included are information on what energy is and where it comes from, ideas on how to mount a schoolwide energy awareness campaign, activities for teaching energy conservation, ideas on how to organize an energy fair, and a resource bibliography. (JMB)

Describes the energy education program given for elementary school groups at the Museum of Science in Boston. Several energy machines or demonstrations are described and their use in this energy education program is outlined. Also some other suggestions to illustrate the use, storage, and transformation of energy are presented. (MDR)

This book is number 3 of a series of elementary science books that presents a wealth of ideas for science activities for the elementary school teacher. Each activity includes a standard set of information designed to help teachers determine the activity's appropriateness for their students, plan its implementation, and help children focus on a…

This document is intended to give the elementary school teacher background information and general suggestions for teaching units and correlated learning activities related to energy and energy conservation. Sections are directed to: A Problem Shared by All, Causes, What is Energy?, Energy Sources, Searching for Solutions, Conservation: An Ethic…

An experiment on the heat conductivity of different materials are described. Applications for energy education in the elementary classroom are implied. (MDR)