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…

This article describes an integrated unit designed to teach second graders about the phases of the Moon. The science department at the author's school had been reshaping their curriculum to match their state standards as well as the "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS"). Their primary goal was for students to be…

Teachers in districts with high rates of poverty and low-achieving schools often lament the lack of resources for instruction. However, when a teacher in a third-grade inner-city classroom began a lesson about natural resources by saying, "We will find out what we know before we start," she used a precious resource--students' ideas.…

The authors conducted a test to determine whether they could incorporate a discovery box into a preschool setting was successful. It stimulated the students' natural inquiry processes while promoting understanding of healthy foods and allowing for practice of fine-motor skills. It was easily incorporated into the curriculum and classroom space.…

A major part of developing concept-based instruction is the use of an overarching idea to provide a conceptual lens through which students view the content of a particular subject. By using a conceptual lens to focus learning, students think at a much deeper level about the content and its facts (Erickson 2007). Therefore, the authors collaborated…

With the number of popular medical and forensics programs on television and many references in the media today, even elementary students can comfortably throw around terms such as "cells," "DNA," and "artificial products." However, their questions on these topics often go unanswered, or they are left with misinformation regarding these concepts.…

While there is frequent talk of integrating science with mathematics, and more recently, science with literacy, the author has always felt that at the elementary level there is more overlap between social studies and science. Mathematics and literacy share essential skills with science (e. g., measurement and data collection, observation and…

Discusses the development and implementation of the Standards of Learning (SOL)-Science, a publication which contains content concepts for K-12 science programs in Virginia. Examples of indicators for a criterion and suggestions for gathering evaluative data are given. (DH)

Describes a talented and gifted (TAG) curriculum for elementary and secondary students in Maryland. Discusses methods used to identify TAG students, educational opportunities utilizing community resources, and curriculum development.

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)

"Accents on Science" is a new K-6 text which includes pupils' and teachers' editions, activity book (pupil and teacher), and evaluation programs. Content is drawn from life, physical, and earth sciences. "The Way We Are" is a kit of free materials on human sexuality for the emerging adolescent. (DS)

Mess Management is considered here as collective problem solving. Describes an example of a program for gifted elementary students emphasizing problem solving skills. A sample strategy is included. (MA)

Suggests areas of consideration when "custom fitting" a science program to a school district, its teachers, students, and resources of time, space, and equipment. (CS)