As well-developed as they may be, standards are not curriculum. It is the job of teachers and curriculum teams to use the Standards as the basis for designing the specific pathway for teaching and learning. In this article, the authors explore the use of Understanding by Design (UbD), a widely-used curriculum development framework, for honoring…

With the integration of engineering into science instruction, teachers have been seeking ways to add engineering in their classrooms. This article presents a primary (K-2) STEM unit that took place in a half-day kindergarten classroom as a way to address the scientific and engineering practices (dimension 1, p.41) and the disciplinary core idea…

In this article, the authors provide an overview of engineering and the engineering design process, and describe the steps they took to develop a fifth grade-level, standards-based engineering design task titled "Getting the Dirt on Decomposition." Their main goal was to focus more on modeling the discrete steps they took to create and…

Compared formal science scope/sequence with curriculum as it was taught in Little Rock (Arkansas) classrooms. Elementary teachers (N=126) were given a list of 273 concepts and asked if a topic was a significant part of their instruction and how much time was spent teaching it. Results are reported and discussed. (JN)

Provides recommendations for developing programs for gifted students. Describes the development of an operational talented and gifted program for elementary students in Connecticut, called Operation Mind Stretch. (MA)

Describes in detail a public school program exclusively for gifted children, grades K-12. Discusses criteria for entry into the program, provides profiles of the students, and explains evaluation of student progress. (MA)

Suggests science activities for gifted students based on the characteristics and needs identified and discussed in the article. (MA)

Describes a systems model for designing environmental education programs in schools. Four major phases are identified which suggest planning experiences for environmental awareness, knowledge, and action. (PS)

"Concepts in Science" (Levels K-9) is described in terms of the textbook's organization, activities, teacher editions, and objectives. Also reviewed is a report highlighting a variety of business-education activities for children. (DS)

Describes a science curriculum, grades 1-12, which features an interdisciplinary approach with a focus on science as an adjunct to reading and math. (Author/MA)

Describes a humanistic, child-oriented science program for gifted students. Stresses open structure, varied learning styles, and experimentation. (MA)

Operation Waste Watch is a seven-unit program for grades K-6 which addresses such topics as litter control, recycling, and resources recovery. It is designed to instill in students positive feelings about the environment. (DS)

Presents a trade book that can be used in teaching the life cycle of butterflies. Includes sample activities and Internet resources. (KHR)

Describes a camping experience and its activities created for girls entering 6th grade who wanted to learn science and explore science-related fields. Indicates that the camping experience for girls promoted positive attitudes toward science learning. (KHR)

Describes a project for building a neighborhood model by a group of primary students. Integrates science, mathematics, and social studies. (KHR)