In recent years, a number of National Research Council reports have emphasized the need to improve science education and enhance science literacy for all students. In addition, the newly released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" advocates engaging students in scientific practices and disciplinary core ideas. Children are not learning…

The South Central Kansas Elementary Science-Math Project involves integrating science and math, active learning, and inquiry. Approximately 25,000 students are involved in the program. (CP)

Described are the organization, development, and piloting of this K-6 science curriculum program. Results of the pilot study are presented including the improvement in student and teacher attitudes. (CW)

Main reasons for not using recently developed curriculum materials in elementary schools include misunderstandings about their psychological bases, and lack of trained teachers and curriculum coordinators in school districts. Efforts should be directed to improve these conditions. (PS)

Reported is a needs assessment conducted in 40 Massachusetts school systems to determine what elementary school science teachers perceive should comprise their inservice training. Findings suggest that programs focus on the metric system, environmental science, more science knowledge, and better science methods. (Author/SA)

Briefly reviews three programs which foster self-directed learning: "Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools,""Environmental Studies," and "Science 5/13." Includes a chart of words and phrases characterizing self-directed and other-directed learning. (SK)

Discusses the adoption, by the Samoan elementary school system, of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) materials. Lists the SCIS courses being used and described some SCIS experiments performed by the Samoan students. (MLH)

Reports on the District of Columbia school system's competency-based curriculum plan for education accountability. (BB)

Reviews the Elementary School Sciences Program (ESSP) in terms of format and content, goals and objectives, student materials, teacher materials, and equipment and media kits. (CP)

A plea for more intellectual honesty in judging the new elementary curricula and the teaching of elementary science. (CP)

Reviews prepared by NSTA Curriculum Review Center at the University of Georgia, Athens, are presented. The Me Now program is described in detail - showing organization into four units representing a two-year instructional program for an Educable Mentally Handicapped Class. (EB)

Not only are relevant and field centered preservice teacher preparation programs necessary in order to bring about desired changes in science instruction in elementary schools, but strategies should be planned for implementation of improved programs in schools as well. Guidelines are described for effecting successful change in schools. (PS)

Discusses the ELEMENTARY SCIENCE program for grades K-6, describing concepts that the program emphasizes and materials used for each grade level. (CS)

This is the first of a series of three articles, undertaken by the ERIC Center for Science and Mathematics Education, on three national elementary science projects (Elementary Science Study, AAAS--Science - A Process Approach, Science Curriculum Improvement Study) sponsored in part or in whole by the National Science Foundation. Six areas are…