Evaluates an elementary textbook (Journeys in Science, volume 3) on thermodynamics. Points out some inadequate expressions and explains the reasons. (YP)

Introduces a lesson that can be used for teaching the scientific process with excitement and in a natural learning environment. Suggests activities for classifying, observing, measuring, inferring, collecting data, interpreting, discussing, concluding, and communicating. Supplies a list with pictures and descriptions of types of monuments. (RT)

Provides a calendar for the month of November on which are placed directions and pictures for different activities that can be performed each day. Outlines materials and procedures for an experiment. Includes information on an acid rain teachers kit, availability, and price. (RT)

Describes "Parents and Children for Terrific Science (PACTS)" program sponsored by the American Chemical Society's Education Division for encouraging the development of family science projects at the elementary and intermediate school levels. Discusses some examples and the results of the project. (YP)

Examines the reading level and potential comprehension level of 10 fourth-grade science textbooks. Reports that there is a great deal of variability between and within the science texts. (YP)

Presents a group of 21 innovative science activities from teachers nationwide designed to sharpen elementary students knowledge of science. The article is part of a package of 100 creative ideas for keeping elementary students enthused about learning in language arts, science, social studies, and math. (SM)

Used a three-phase constructivist teaching sequence in a graduate-level elementary science methods course to improve preservice teachers' knowledge of density and to provide a model for approaching the teaching of science. Reports that the preservice teachers (n=23) showed gains in content knowledge and self-reported confidence levels. (Author/JRH)

Discusses simple activities with familiar materials to help children feel at home with chemistry and what the term "chemical" means. (PR)

Hands-on experience lets students explore, discover, and think their way through science. The article explains why hands-on science works, presenting tools for getting started with few resources. Activities have students work with the environment in their backyards and the schoolyard. Resources for hands-on science are presented. (SM)

Presents ExploraVision as an opportunity for elementary teachers to work with their students while they are still quizzical and curious. Participating student teams choose an existing technology and envision how it might be used in 20 years, presenting their idea in a 10-frame story. Describes preparation of a student team to enter the contest.…

Elementary teachers can use graphing to introduce students to one another. An eye color graphing activity helps students learn more about each other while experimenting with different ways of organizing and displaying information. For follow up, students can apply their graphing knowledge by collecting and displaying data from their families. (SM)

Presents a collection of inexpensive autumn science activities for elementary students. A full moon activity encourages observational and critical thinking skills. A pumpkin activity teaches physics. A spider activity teaches biology and alleviates unnecessary fears. A student page has children create a bookmark that shows faces in the full moon.…

Presented are the results of a survey of elementary school principals designed to determine whether problem solving and critical thinking skills are an integral part of the science curriculum in elementary schools. Curriculum orientation, amount of problem solving, and problem-solving/higher-order thinking priorities are discussed. (CW)

A program that allows teachers to see what is going on in the world beyond the classroom is described. During the program, teachers will be able to use lab equipment, witness experiments, and hear about state-of-the-art science from working scientists and mathematicians. (KR)

The differences between males and females in grades 2 and 5 were investigated to see whether gender differences observed in middle and high school may apply to elementary students. No significant gender differences in achievement or attitudes were found. (CW)