In engineering, teachers can push even the youngest learners to think critically and create something that reflects the function of the real thing. When children create, they often make a representation of something--a crayon-drawn stick-figure family or a butterfly life cycle represented with pasta--that is based on appearance. Their questions…

What better way to engage fifth-grade students in science and engineering practices than to use paper airplanes to encourage them to question, explore, create, and test designs! This multi-day unit draws from a fourth-grade curriculum (Pearson 2012) aligned with the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013) used in…

The Reggio-inspired approach often leads a teacher down unexpected paths, as many class explorations originate from students' observations of problems or phenomena. Students then work collaboratively with the teacher; the teacher consistently observes and questions the students to discover what the students are thinking and why. The teacher…

Spotting the Moon in the sky is like finding a treasure--unexpected and beautiful. When children look for the Moon in the sky, they don't know where to look. The Moon is far away and most easily observed at a time when most young children are sleeping. Because direct contact isn't possible, adults have to be creative in how they help children…

By imagining they are 24th-century archaeologists excavating a 20th-century house, students learn how to make and practice writing specific, precise, and detailed observations. Other science process skills focused on include measuring, making inferences, and communicating the data both orally and in writing. (AIM)

Presents estimation as a tool for learning observation and measurement relationships for the metric system. Activities include constructing a meter tape and using mystery boxes to practice volume estimation and measurement. (AIM)

Science learning does not depend on textbook reading. First hand experiences should be provided to children. Supplementary readings and activities must accompany such experiences. (PS)

This article describes a technique for fingerpainting that is similar to one used by law enforcement agencies. A list of easily obtained materials is included, along with related photographs. (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)

Describes an activity using a large balloon to help children understand that, even though the horizon appears to be flat, the Earth is, indeed, round. Uses a toy ship to reinforce evidence from the first part of the activity. Stresses the importance of confronting naive theories at an early age. (CW)

Stresses the importance of hands-on science in elementary schools. Gives tips on designing your own excellent science program. Lists resources for hands-on activities. (RT)

Presents several classroom ideas to help students understand their relationship to and their place in the universe as well as how difficult it would be to find life beyond Earth. Lists activities for children including the "Map Procedure," the "Model Procedure," and "Good Ol' Sol." (CW)

Describes a lesson designed to help young students conceptualize cholesterol and its effects on the body. Provides young students with a concrete way to understand how cholesterol builds up in blood vessels and restricts blood flow. Includes a simple illustrative experiment for children to perform themselves. (CW)

Presents the following guidelines to consider before, during, and after hands-on inquiry: (1) plan and prepare; (2) create problem intrigue; (3) give students the responsibility of solving the problem; (4) offer feedback and guidance; (5) debrief; and (6) anticipate, prevent, monitor, and adapt. (PR)

Describes the flour beetle, "Tribolium confusum," and its life cycle, habitat, culturing requirements, and some possible uses of this beetle as a classroom animal. Discusses what children could learn from flour beetles. Explains how to get rid of beetles found in foods at home. (CW)