The percentage of students (n=1,605) and teachers (n=75) in grades three through six in the sample who report science as their favorite subject was determined. The results were compared to previous research. Results indicated that the proportion of students who reported science as their favorite subject was higher than the proportion of teachers.…

Presents a class activity "Microscopic Mission" where students make an imaginary journey through a living cell searching for defective DNA responsible for cancer. Nine aspects of the adventure are described. Students try to determine from the description where they are in the cell. This activity can be used for review or evaluation. (PR)

Alternative classifications commonly used by children aged 12, 14, and 15 are presented. Why children use such alternatives is discussed. Age- and gender-related trends in performance on classification tasks is examined. Children's attitudes to classification and their perceptions of its usefulness in school and everyday contexts are reviewed. (KR)

Describes wetlands and explains their importance to man and ecology. Delineates the role of water in wetlands. Describes how wetlands are classified: estuarine, riverine, lacustrine, palustrine, and marine. Accompanying article is a large, color poster on wetlands. Describes an activity where metaphors are used to explore the functions of…

Contained in this issue is a variety of creative crafts involving nature. Each of the 17 ideas contains directions, a list of materials, and an illustration of the finished craft. A final section lists different craft books and includes an index to NatureScope and Ranger Rick crafts. (CW)

Examines 52 fifth graders' written and oral responses to determine the impact of a scientific demonstration on their understanding of air pressure. For one-third of the children, the demonstration reinforced previous understanding. Recommendations for using demonstrations to promote children's scientific understanding are presented. (ZWH)

Describes how electrochemical cells exploit reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions to produce electric current. Presents an activity using a paper clip, copper wire, an apple, and a voltmeter where students can measure the voltage from an apple cell. Describes variables that can be changed to assess the impact on the voltage produced. (PR)

This paper describes the process by which a television test was developed to measure elementary student competencies in science processes. The test was developed as an evaluative tool, related to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Science for the Seventies project of televised science modules designed to supplement classroom science…

This publication represents a model for the Natural Science Education Curriculum for grades five through eight in Delaware's schools. This guide is meant to serve as a minimal standard for natural science education, but at the same time strives for maximum output of the natural science program. The guide is based on the processes of science…

Describes a set of activities involving animals and voting. Discusses voter education resources that may be available to teachers. Presents four ballots related to humane education. (CW)

Sixth graders built working "robots" (or grasping bars) for remote control use during a unit on simple mechanics. Steps for making a robot are presented, including: cutting the wood, drilling and nailing, assembling the jaws, and making them work. The "jaws," used to pick up objects, illustrate principles of levers. (DH)

Conducted an ethnography to evaluate the usefulness of the notion of community of practice in classroom settings. Documents how collectively available knowledge of a classroom community was transformed as resources and practices were adopted by more and more members. Discusses implications for the organization of classroom environments that…

Author states that many students are intimidated and bored with information in science textbooks and describes an approach to make textbooks more familiar. Explains that the technical terms in textbooks are analogous to "characters" in a fictional story. The "plot" is determined by the headings and subheadings. Describes steps…

Describes activities where students explore electrical mystery boxes to learn about electricity. The electrical devices utilized are a bulb, a battery, a wire, a diode, and an LED. Students first explore the materials and then try to infer arrangements of these devices in sealed boxes. Describes the construction of the mystery boxes and classroom…

This environmental unit is one of a series designed for integration within an existing curriculum. The unit is self-contained and requires minimal teacher preparation. The philosophy of this series is based on an experience-oriented process that encourages self-paced independent student work. The purpose of this particular unit is to prove that…