Based on the best-selling book "The Parallel Curriculum", this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6-12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic…

Undergraduate college "science partners" provided content knowledge and a supportive atmosphere for K-5 teachers in a university-school professional development partnership program in science instruction. The Elementary Science Education Partners program, a Local Systemic Change initiative supported by the National Science Foundation,…

We developed a course in inquiry-based science for students training to become primary school teachers. The emphasis of the course was teaching students to do inquiry-based science activities themselves, as this is the best way of learning how to teach using inquiry-based methods. (Contains 1 table.)

This publication serves as a guide on insects for elementary school age children. The information is geared to answer the most commonly asked questions by children about insects (such as whether a given insect bites). Facts are also presented on how and where insects live, what they eat, and what eats them. The introductory chapter explains the…

This is the final test for students in the sixth-grade science course offered in the Alberta (Canada) schools. Both English and French versions of the test are provided. Intended for administration during June 1986, it contains 60 multiple-choice questions. One hour is allowed for completing the test. An answer key is not included. (ML)

This module provides information about plastics, focusing on the uses of plastic bags in particular. Topic areas considered include: (1) making plastic bags; (2) transparency of plastic bags; (3) plastic bags and food odors; (4) food containers (before and since plastics); and (5) disposing of plastic bags and other plastic products. The text is…

The life patterns, behaviors, and functions of the social insects, the honeybees, are presented in this publication. Illustrations and information are offered on the topic areas of: (1) the honeybee society (explaining the jobs of the queen, worker, and drone bees); (2) the hive (describing how the hive is constructed, how new bees develop, and…

Describes the construction and use of simple optical aids that allow the amateur scientist to safely observe sunspots and solar eclipses and also to measure the sun's rotation. (five references) (JJK)

Presents simple experiments to study the basic properties of light utilizing a flashlight, small mirrors, a magnifying lens, a plastic comb, paper and pencil, and a pair of eyeglasses. (JJK)

This document presents sources to assist elementary and secondary school students and teachers in planning, preparing, and executing projects in the space sciences. Bibliographies for the following sections are included: (1) Basic Texts, (2) Specialized Texts, (3) Classroom Experiments and Activities, (4) Background Readings, (5) Related Titles,…

This booklet provides a brief discussion of the anatomy and biology of rays in the Chesapeake Bay and a key to their identification. Descriptions of seven types of rays are also provided (with accompanying illustrations). These include electric rays, stingrays, butterfly rays, eagle rays, cownose rays, and manta rays. (JN)

One of the problems of the English language is that individual words can often convey such a breadth of meaning that people often find themselves speaking past each other. The jargon of the environment is not immune. The words included in this publication are some of those more basic to the understanding of the environment. Definitions offered…

This module (recommended for grades 5 or 6) provides information on water in the community. Topics considered include: safe water (showing how clear water may be unsafe to drink); water sources; drinking water and wells; clean water underground; how water gets from the ground to the faucet inside a home; the groundwater of seaside and inland…

Background information, lists of materials needed, and procedures are provided for 12 electrochemistry experiments. The experiments involve investigating: (1) a simple electrical circuit; (2) how a doorbell works; (3) how a two-way switch works; (4) conductors and insulators; (5) controlling current with a pencil; (6) what an electrolyte is; (7)…

Activities which can be done with items purchased in supermarkets form the basis of this book. The activities are arranged into sections by type of item; breakfast foods; dried foods; soups; baking ingredients; gelatin; condiments; coffee; salad dressing; dairy products; meats; cleaning supplies; cookware; juices; picnic supplies; paper towels;…