Assessment serves many purposes in the elementary classroom. Formative assessment, often called assessment for learning, is characterized by its primary purpose--promoting learning. It takes place both formally and informally, is embedded in various stages of an instructional cycle, informs the teacher about appropriate next steps for instruction,…

World Diabetes Day (November 14) offers a wonderful opportunity to educate elementary children about the power they have to control their health. First lady Michelle Obama has urged Americans to educate themselves about childhood obesity, which is often associated with the onset of type II diabetes (Rabin 2010). The authors developed activities to…

Describes a teaching program that encourages student creativity by stimulating them to invent'' Rube Goldbergian apparatus from discarded materials in creativity kits supplied by the teacher and supplemented by students. (AL)

Describes the use of science-related activities to celebrate holidays. (PEB)

A school science specialist has animals to loan to elementary school teachers. (CP)

Briefly describes an instructional program based on the individual needs of students that was designed for grades K-8. (EB)

Suggestions for organizing a science book fair are provided, focusing on planning activities, book displays, publications/publicity, and evaluation. Factors discussed related to book displays include: size and scope of selection, where to obtain books, and how they will be displayed. (JN)

Describes a master's degree program in elementary science education at Western Washington State College, designed for the elementary teacher interested in teaching science but without a vast background in the sciences. (CS)

Describes a program which focuses on the care and study of animals. The program, part of a grades K-6 science curriculum, emphasizes science process skills and encourages students to develop a questioning attitude about the world while they gain a sizable amount of background information about the animal world. (JN)

Describes a teacher education program involving preparation in elementary school science and emphasizing the humanistic approach and student responsibility. (CP)

Describes a guinea pig (cavy) breeding and management program developed as part of an elementary school science curriculum. Includes comments on show competitions (sponsored by the American Rabbit Breeders Association) to measure the success of the breeding program and to enable children to experience the business world. (Author/JN)

Charts basic information regarding national elementary science programs for children (grades K-8) or some combination in between. Includes the following information: project title, contact and address; overview description of program; present efforts in revision, completion, distribution; materials available; places using the program, commercial…