Due in part to testing pressures, for years the science subject has taken a back seat to reading and math. And though topics like volcanos and time travel have the potential to get kids' attention, science's status as a curricular stepchild typically translates into dull textbooks and little budget for experiments or supplies. The tide is…

Described is a third-grade class's science project of raising monarch butterflies. (CJ)

Information is presented regarding "El Nino," a warm ocean current which has a profound worldwide effect on ocean life and weather patterns. Suggestions are provided for teaching students about the current and other related topics. (CB)

Describes the winners of the Space Traveler Project, a contest jointly sponsored by Rockwell International, NASA, and this magazine to identify worthwhile elementary science programs relating to the Space Shuttle. (SJL)

With field trips curtailed by budget cuts, this elementary teacher provides outside learning experiences in science and social studies by encouraging her students to write letters. In this way, students have requested learning materials, invited guest speakers to visit the class, and learned about other countries through pen pals. (SJL)

Describes how to use journal writing in elementary science classes. Writing lets children communicate observations and ideas while reinforcing understanding of key science concepts. Journal ideas include using notebooks to respond to teacher prompts or write about what students are studying; sharing a classroom science journal; and keeping a…

A teaching unit that helps fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students learn about human and animal skeletal systems is described. The unit focuses on bone characteristics and develops basic science skills, such as observation, data collection, and making and testing hypotheses. (PP)

Included are 13 enrichment activities for gifted elementary school students in the subjects of mathematics, classroom seating arrangements, logic, language arts, and science. (CJ)