The increasing presence of linguistically diverse young children in U.S. public schools has prompted science educators to recognize the need for approaches that are inclusive and sensitive to students' academic needs. The challenge is to design lessons that provide language support while actively engaging children in authentic scientific inquiry.…

Some ways in which a young child becomes involved in exploratory activities, seeking to become acquainted with his world, and how these experiences involve science concepts are presented. Piaget's philosophy of learning is discussed with emphasis on the child's need for interaction for an open learning environment. (EB)

Stresses the importance of learner involvement, and adult patience and understanding, for a child's success in learning and consequently in living. (EB)

Suggestions are given relating to having plants and animals in the classroom to stimulate development of the understanding of the concept of being alive, a concept not really understood by children under age nine. The research reviewed promotes firsthand experiences to help form concepts of living and nonliving, of identity and causality. (EB)

Presents exploratory activities for preschool children as they seek to become acquainted with the world about them. Some of the ways in which these experiences involve science concepts are discussed. (Author/EB)

Discussed is the teaching method called the learning cycle and how it can be incorporated into science activities. Included are examples of how teachers and students can use the learning cycle to produce instructional materials. (KR)

Minimal cerebral dysfunctions are noted as primary cause for learning disability in children. Although children have normal capacities for learning, it is stated that their cognitive processes have been altered and special instructional techniques and procedures are needed. The various types of learning disabilities are discussed. (EB)

The classroom use of attribute blocks to develop thinking skills is defended in this article. Divergent-productive thinking is identified as an important skill that can be developed by using these blocks. However, teacher commitment and involvement in the program is considered necessary. Suggestions for using these blocks are included. (MA)

Discusses the importance of questioning as a means of achieving independent intelligence, critical thinking, and learning to learn. Advocates a science program that encourages investigation, discovery, and questioning. (MA)

Describes classroom activities to help children determine cause and relate the changes to the substances being changed. Advocates the use of "change jars" and making daily observations to teach the concepts that certain conditions promote change. Includes ideas using temperature, moisture, rotting, and sprouting to teach the concept of change. (CW)

Provides some teaching tips for elementary teachers that are designed to enhance the natural interests of young children in science and help equip them with important science processing skills. Contains activities related to observation, classification, measurement, and communication. (TW)

Describes the intellectual development stages ascribed to children by Jean Piaget. Characteristics and examples are given for sensori-motor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational thinking periods. Implications are given for elementary school science education, including (1) formal instruction does not accelerate acquisition…

Piaget's theory of developmental stages was implemented in an elementary school curriculum. Some successful learning experiences are described. (CP)

Suggested are a few topics or techniques which should not be presented in planetarium astronomy until appropriate levels of potential comprehension are reached. (EB)

Some uses of fruits and seeds to facilitate problem solving and cognitive processes in young children are suggested. (MR)