A hands-on simulation on spider web construction is described. Students recreate the mysteries of web construction by creating a yarn web with a pentagonal frame, 12 spokes, and 12 spiral loops. Contains instructions to the teacher for constructing the web board. Provides a procedure for the students to follow. (PR)

Presents an inexpensive class activity to teach elementary students about light reflection off various surfaces. The activity involves aluminum foil, waxed paper, magazine pages, newspapers, overhead transparency film, construction paper, fabric, and a hand lens. A student page includes questions to make students think about reflection. (SM)

Presents a science activity that illustrates the need to collaborate in scientific inquiry. The example utilized describes the methods used by the Roman doctor Galen to treat epilepsy. (MDH)

Focuses on the understanding of British children (N=189) of geologic time as they participate in related activities. Indicates that 10- and 11-year-old children lack a clear chronology of geologic events. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Instead of a science fair, the author's intermediate school holds an invention convention. Guided by an Inventor's Log, students must problem solve, think creatively, and budget their time and resources to brainstorm and build an invention. The inventions are built at home, with parental support and supervision. Then, when everyone is ready, the…

The design of any solar heating system is influenced heavily by climate; in this bulletin, information on climate as related to solar heating is as related to solar heating is provided. Topics discussed include: (1) solar radiation; (2) degree days; (3) climate and calculations which make use of solar radiation and degree days; and (4)…

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)

Plants play an important role in the survival of every living thing; in fact, they are responsible for our very existence! In Photosynthesis, find out what makes plants so unique by studying the chemical process of photosynthesis - the amazing method of making food and oxygen from sunlight. Diagrams & microscopic photography illustrate the…

Studied the effectiveness of using a Piaget-based structured program to enhance correlative thinking of fifth, seventh, and ninth grade children. Concluded that ninth grade students profited from learning of logical operations although some had difficulty with the equivalence and reciprocal exclusion operations. (CC)

Sixty fifth-grade students were randomly assigned to a group to be trained in solving Inhelder and Piaget's pendulum problem by Siegler's method or to a control group. A significant training effect was found. A weak transfer effect was found, but delayed performance showed no training effect. (Author/BW)

Reports a single case design study on the exam performance in science of fifth and sixth graders (n=27) using note taking combined with self-questioning. Authors found gains in science exams when notetaking/self-questioning strategies were in effect. (PR)

Describes using celebrations of dates in the history of science and technology as an instructional strategy. For example, the author celebrated the day of the Wright Brothers' first flight and culminated it with an paper airplane flying contest. Festivities begin with concept mapping to allow students the opportunity to relate new ideas to prior…

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)

This report is a blueprint for the creation of an effective, national program of science education for students in America's middle-grade schools. It draws together the best that is now known about curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher development for middle-level science and was written in response to a widely expressed need to improve…

In recent years, science educators have struggled with the dual challenge of equity and excellence, of providing all students access to a quality science education, and ensuring each student achieves an understanding of scientific concepts and processes. The Program for Complex Instruction, a model of group work, addresses this dual challenge by…