Sixteen different suggestions are given to parents for helping their children with science fair projects. Among the 16 suggestions included are contacting people who have expertise in science, helping the child obtain pertinent information, keeping a daily log of research activities. (DS)

Presents classroom activities designed to teach elementary students about soil, seeds, and sprouts and to guide them in gardening. The article also includes extension activities, home projects, and a student journal page. Curriculum materials are listed. (SM)

Presents a cooperative activity between home and school in which parents and students examine the growth of a variety of bulbs. Bulbs are taken home to sprout and returned to school to monitor their growth. Students gather data, hone observation and graphing skills, and communicate with their parents on the project. (MDH)

Since 1975, the Association for Childhood Education International has published a column called "Classroom Idea-Sparkers" in each issue of Childhood Education journal. The column provides practical help for classroom teachers, preschool through middle school, offering educators ideas and activities to help extend learning and make it more relevant…

Discusses the use of answering machines to teach astronomy to students while they are home. Provides directions on prelesson instruction; how to prepare the taped lessons; parent involvement; and lesson implementation. (MDH)

Presents an alternative to the competition fostered through traditional science fairs. The Science Expo is an all-day event meant to show students and the community that science is fascinating and fun. (PR)

There are ways in which elementary teachers in general and rural elementary teachers in particular can overcome inadequate science preparation and can upgrade the science program resources of their small schools. Parents and children should be involved in obtaining free and inexpensive science-related materials throughout the year. These can be…