Assessment serves many purposes in the elementary classroom. Formative assessment, often called assessment for learning, is characterized by its primary purpose--promoting learning. It takes place both formally and informally, is embedded in various stages of an instructional cycle, informs the teacher about appropriate next steps for instruction,…

This paper explores one district's attempt to implement a blended science and English Language Development (ELD) elementary program, designed to provide English language learners opportunities to develop proficiency in English through participation in inquiry-based science. This process resulted in blended program that utilized a combined…

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,…

Describes a program which focuses on the care and study of animals. The program, part of a grades K-6 science curriculum, emphasizes science process skills and encourages students to develop a questioning attitude about the world while they gain a sizable amount of background information about the animal world. (JN)

A pilot program providing a comprehensive humane education curriculum is described. Packets containing instructional material on animal classification, pet care, wildlife, animal communication, and human activism are provided to teachers. In addition, school visits make it possible to demonstrate the activities, and motivate teachers to make…

Goals and activities of the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program are described. ELF, developed by the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, is a natural science/environmental education program based on curiosity and concerns of elementary-aged children. Also described workshops involving animal pantomime, animal and plant defenses,…

Described is a voluntary museum program where instructors teach science, math, and technology through art. Activities that can be used as "hooks" to get students interested in the program are provided. Topics include privacy and personal space, imaginary worlds, toys, behind the scenes, fads, friendly materials, humor, and the imagination. (KR)

An overview of a program to overcome the lack of activity and relevancy in the elementary school by providing elementary students with hands-on science experiments that they can complete at home is given. Activities for second- and third-grade students are described and results are discussed. (CW)

The Science/Math Education Project of the Federal City Council and the District of Columbia Public Schools began as an experiment to determine whether scientists, mathematicians, and engineers could be recruited from their daily professional responsibilities to serve as volunteer tutors, lecturers, or mentors to students in the public elementary…

Discusses development, goals, and phases of the Resources Management Education Program. The program, designed to create a basic awareness of conservation and natural resources management issues for primary schools in Latin America, is taught in conjunction with the life and physical sciences. (DH)

Described is a program which encouraged parents to become involved with their children in a science program at home. Discussed are the activities and organization of the program. A list of resources is provided. (CW)

Described are projects of the National Sciences Resource Center (NSRC) which are aimed at the improvement of elementary school science instruction. Plans and goals of the project are listed. The Science and Technology for Children project is highlighted. (CW)

This journal issue discusses the idea that 1988 was a year in which "green thinking" and environmental matters came to the top of the political and public agenda. At the same time, environmental education received new recognition as a vital dimension of education having relevance to all. In 1989, it seems likely that environmental…

This document is a supplement to the Annual Review of Environmental Education and contains a summary of the 1987-88 annual report of the Council for Environmental Education. Reports are also given from 19 member organizations including: Association of Agriculture; Association of Agricultural Education Staffs; British Ecological Society; Center for…

A college professor who desired to practice what she preached and an elementary teacher who wanted to observe a hands-on science curriculum on a day-to-day basis form a teaching partnership. They offer insights on their successes, obstacles, and methods for improving hands-on science programs. (ZWH)