This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. When the author was young he used to think that the ideal design for a concert hall would contain walls that were composed of sound-absorbing material, like foam or egg cartons or such. He noticed, though, that this was not the case. Most concert halls contain curtains…

Elementary school students are intensely curious about astronomy: the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. Summer, with its warm evenings and star-filled skies, is the perfect time for students to explore the cosmos with a pair of binoculars. Because binoculars are used for many purposes (sporting events or birding, for example), many families…

Stories, steeped in science content and full of specific information, can be brought into schools and homes through the power of live video streaming. Video streaming refers to the process of viewing video over the internet. These videos may be live (webcam feeds) or recorded. These stories are engaging and inspiring. They offer opportunities to…

Weather is a topic in science that is applicable to our lives on an everyday basis. The weather often determines what we wear, where we go, and what we do. This month's column focuses on clouds and the part they play in determining our weather. In the K-3 lesson, students learn about different cloud types and sculpt each type out of shaving cream.…

YouTube makes it possible for teachers to capitalize on children's insatiable appetite for visually stimulating learning. Some of these videos attain "viral" status, getting passed on from person to person and by links on other sites. Not only are these popular videos viral, but developing one's own content and posting it for the world's access is…

In an integrated science/language arts/technology unit called "How Scientists Learn," students researched famous scientists from the past and cutting-edge modern-day scientists. Using biography trade books and the internet, students collected and recorded data on charts, summarized important information, and inferred meaning from text. Then they…

The projection screen in the dimly lit auditorium was ready and an online chat window was open on the computer screen. Computer experts and entomologists were ready on the other end. One by one, students filled up the rows of seats eagerly anticipating what was going to happen next. Each student was asked to close their eyes. Ms. Hadley asked…

Subjects like Earth science often rely on "ready made" hands-on materials such as kits and modules to support understanding and science inquiry. However, sometimes the materials need adaptations to make sure they suit students' and teachers needs. As part of the Allegheny Schools Science Education and Technology (ASSET) program, the authors…

Although weather, including its role in the water cycle, is included in most elementary science programs, any further examination of raindrops and snowflakes is rare. Together rain and snow make up most of the precipitation that replenishes Earth's life-sustaining fresh water supply. When viewed individually, raindrops and snowflakes are quite…

Describes the use of electronic mail discussion lists for students in science methods courses as an attempt at ensuring that preservice teachers are able to use electronic educational technology in teaching science. (JRH)

To develop scientific literacy in today's global era, however, it is important that students learn about interactions within the Earth's systems worldwide. A unit exploring El Nino and La Nina-phenomena that can result in extreme weather events in locations all around the world-can help bridge this gap and broaden students awareness of global…

While few disagree that science fair projects have great potential for student learning, the preparation and execution of projects can be stressful for teachers, students, and parents alike. While working as a fourth-grade teacher, the author's goal was to provide students with a science fair experience minus the pressure of trying to figure out…