Mechanistic reasoning, or reasoning systematically through underlying factors and relationships that give rise to phenomena, is a powerful thinking strategy that allows one to explain and make predictions about phenomena. This article synthesizes and builds on existing frameworks to identify essential characteristics of students' mechanistic…

This book provides information to help create a themed science fair for childen in grades 4-6. Illustrated instructions and checklists for each of the 100 plus experiments are provided, plus ideas for teachers and students to vary experiments for additional scientific discovery. The experiments are written in age-appropriate language so that…

Each of these outstanding selections defies the traditional image of a child "curling up with a good book." Yes, they can be a source of great personal reading, encouraging students of all ages to stretch their skills and their imagination as they interact with the printed page. But these journeys of the scientific imagination seldom end with the…

Elements of environmental science and how the science is related to the more traditionally established disciplines are explored in this supplementary text. Two aspects of environmental science are considered--subject matter and decision making. Relevant background material in the physical sciences is presented under the following topics: ecology,…

Examines the thesis that people must derive more cognitive mileage from environmental education programs by involving themselves in the physical interactions in the environment and their underlying principles. Environmental education has too often focused only on sensitivity, understanding, and sympathy with regard to plant and animal…

This curriculum guide for students in grades K-4 is part of the My Health My World series which explores environmental health issues. It includes (1) an activities guide for teachers, which focuses on physical science, life science, and environment and health, presenting activity based lessons that entice students to discover concepts in science,…

This curriculum guide for students in grades K-4 is part of the My Health My World series which explores environmental health issues. Focusing on indoor environmental health, it includes (1) an activities guide for teachers which focuses on physical science, life science, and the environment and health, presenting activity based lessons that…

Describes computer software for use with various age groups. Topics include activities involving temperature, simulations, earth science, the circulatory system, human body, reading in science, and ecology. Provides information on equipment needed, availability, package contents, and price. Comments of reviews are presented by classroom teachers.…

Proposes an alternative model for environmental education in natural resources emphasizing a complete systems approach. Helps people evaluate and understand natural resources based on underlying ecological principles. Attempts to account for integrating factors in the natural resource system, with land serving as the foundation resource. (MDH)

A series of ten secondary-level, winter ecology experiences developed to accompany the BSCS Green Version is discussed. Results from a review by a panel of experts and ratings from experimental teachers are presented. (SA)

Missouri's Framework for Curriculum Development in Science acknowledges that teachers will bring the vision, ideals, and principles of the Show-Me Standards of the state of Missouri into their classrooms in exciting and innovative ways. The role of the frameworks is to provide districts with a "frame" for building curricula using the…

As part of the Professional Development Workshop at Calhoun Community College, the Department of Natural Sciences conducted the third annual Spring Wilderness Pilgrimage in March 1989, a week-long environmental awareness field trip for faculty and staff. Designed as a study of the plants and animals on a barrier island off the coast of Florida,…

Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST) is an interdisciplinary environmental science program which emphasizes the foundational concepts and methods of the physical, biological, and earth sciences, and relates these concepts to issues about the human use of the environment. This document stresses that evaluation is an integral part of…

Acid rain is a term for rain, snow, or other precipitation produced from water vapor in the air reacting with emissions from automobiles, factories, power plants, and other oil and coal burning sources. When these chemical compounds, composed of sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide, react with water vapor, the result is sulfuric acid and nitric acid.…

Developed to complement existing elementary science programs, the materials in this second volume of New York's Elementary Science Supplement emphasize an experiential, hands-on approach for children aged 7-9. Major sections include guidelines for program activities, (the format of this publication); correlating syllabus and program, (including a…