Described are two activities designed to help children investigate electrical charges, electric meters, and electromagnets. Included are background information, a list of materials, procedures, and follow-up questions. Sources of additional information are cited. (CW)

Discussed is a computer network which allows communications on science issues and activities between elementary schools around the United States. Described are the introductory kit, examples of use, and secondary school applications. A contact address is included. (CW)

An activity which combines problem solving with the history and science of hot air balloons is presented. Instructions for making and launching tissue-paper balloons are provided. The advantage of using manipulative materials with middle school students is discussed. (CW)

Discusses findings of an experiment that compared Native Americans' attitudes and achievements in science, as measured by standardized scores, when taught science using culturally relevant materials and non-culturally relevant materials. Results suggest that educators should use culturally relevant materials when teaching Native Americans. (ZWH)

Two chapters of the book, "Toward Inclusive Classrooms," are abstracted here. The chapters concern team teaching a seventh-grade science class and developing a sixth-grade science exhibition. They show how teachers cooperated to plan for inclusion of students with disabilities, how difficulties were handled, evaluation procedures, and…

Examines gender differences in science achievements and attitudes during the middle grades. Reports that female students do not lag behind in science achievement tests and course enrollments, but have less positive attitudes toward science and less interest in science careers. Science attitudes and career interests vary according to gender as well…

The effects of a visual advance organizer on a biology concept learning task among fifth graders (n=48) was investigated. After exposure to the advance organizer, three levels of learning outcomes-knowledge, comprehension, and application-were evaluated. Findings of the study are discussed in terms of the assimilation theory, aptitude-treatment…

Identifies specific instruction difficulties, potential problems, solutions, and activities for successful use of microscopes in the classroom. Procedures are outlined for guiding students in creating their own slides with monocotyledon and dicotyledon stems, fern spores, stomata, lichens, and red onions. (MCO)

Four brief articles highlighting the habits of spiders are provided. Habits discussed include web building, mating and egg sac care, eating and venom delivery, and the production and uses of spider silk. (CW)

Presents an activity in which students in grades 5-8 learn about snail reproduction by observing and charting the activities of land snails, freshwater snails, and slugs. Instructions to implement and extend the activity are provided. (MDH)

Describes the implementation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration SEEDS Project in a sixth-grade class in Turlock, California. Describes student activities and media coverage surrounding the project. (MDH)

Six 12-year-old students were followed during an eight-month course using "Energy and Change" curricular materials, which introduce ideas related to the Second Law of Thermodynamics through an abstract picture language. Concludes that students had higher levels of generalization in their explanations of physical, chemical, and biological…

Whether boys and girls shared equally in performing behaviors required in hands-on activities in the performance-based science classroom was studied over the school year with 165 students in grades five through eight. Being actively involved predicted students' year-end science attitudes, and boys tended to handle the resources more often. (SLD)

Two cohorts of students with and without learning disabilities were followed for three years, and they and their teachers annually rated their capabilities and efforts in science. Some age differences in student self-evaluation were found. Comparison of student and teacher ratings suggests that teachers often have higher expectations for students…

Maintains that children's literature broadens students views and understanding of the past while also offering teachers a means for integrating the elementary curriculum. Provides an integrated unit using a literture-social studies connection that focuses on the Great American Prairie during the pioneer period and gives a list of supporting…