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…

A milk processing plant is described. Starter and advanced lesson activities using milk for observation are presented. (MT)

This science unit focuses on measuring skills using students' own sneakers and the unit of measure. Two activities with differing levels of difficulty are presented. (MT)

Orthodontic braces and how they work are discussed. A science unit and task card on teeth is provided. (MT)

Presents hands-on science activities using inexpensive, hand-held microscopes and slides made from simple, readily available materials. The article describes how to introduce students to microscopes and presents directions for using the microscopes and making slides. A student page investigates fingerprints with microscopes. (SM)

A study is described which demonstrates that children create naive theories of science that are highly resistant to change, even when other concepts are seemingly understood. Ways of promoting conceptual change in children's understandings of how the world works are suggested. (MT)

Highlights are presented from a March 1989 national opinion poll on science teaching. According to the results of the poll, teachers feel that time and budget constraints impede science instruction. Findings are also presented on teaching methods, computer use, and teacher preparation. (IAH)

Two units of study on snowflakes, one a starter unit and one advanced, are offered. Classification activities for learning about snowflakes are included. (MT)

Activities that are part of an elementary school science study unit on snakes, spiders, earthworms, snails, caterpillars, and crocodiles are described. (CJ)

Presents a collection of science activities that have elementary students investigate how color can trick the eye and the brain. The activities involve working with contrasting colors, creating a rainbow, and exploring the connection between colors and words. An instructor reproducible features two color activities. (SM)

The inventor's secret is a simple one--he sees applications for known materials that have occurred to no one else. Here are some suggestions for applying this secret to the elementary science program and thereby boosting motivation and creativeness in your students. (Author/RK)

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 a miniscience unit on frogs for elementary grades that teaches students about how frogs develop from tadpoles and how frogs need water during their entire life cycle. Students learn such skills as observation, collecting, and recording data. Provides addresses for ordering resources for teachers and students. (SM)

Presents class activities to help elementary students learn about changes in the state of matter by making ice cream. In addition to making observations on the changes of state, students can practice measuring and identifying the properties (e.g., color, size, and shape). (SM)