The inclusion of engineering in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a key component of K-12 science learning has provided both opportunities and challenges for elementary teachers. One challenge is integrating the design thinking processes that undergird engineering with core science concepts and current issues facing scientists and…

In this article, Michael E. Wysession comments on the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS), which are based on the recommendations of the National Research Council and represent a revolutionary step toward establishing modern, national K-12 science education standards. The NGSS involves significant changes from traditional…

Reviews "Earthquakes and Volcanoes" (grades 3-6), "Metric Football" (a game), and "Happy Metrics I and II" (grades 4-6). Includes format, nature of activities, source, price, and reviewer's comments. (JN)

Describes a one-week unit in Earth science for the elementary science classroom. The concepts included are land formation, erosion, the water cycle, and human impact on the Earth's surface through planning and building a massive outdoor drainage model. (Author/DS)

One teacher took her class on a year long earthquake expedition. The goal was to monitor the occurrences of real earthquakes during the year and mark their locations with push pins on a wall-sized world map in the hallway outside the science room. The purpose of the project was to create a detailed picture of the earthquakes that occurred…

Discusses summer workshops designed to help elementary teachers develop an earth science program for their schools. Includes descriptions of three lessons and related instructional strategies on rocks and minerals, topographic maps, and fossils. (BC)

Silver Burdett's "Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science Text Workbooks" (1982) for middle school students are reviewed. Unlike most workbooks, these integrate textbook and laboratory manual into a single unit. Strengths and weaknesses of the books are noted. (JN)

Reviews "Pathways in Science" (Globe Book Company), designed as a complete middle/junior high school science program. Strengths (including sixth-grade readability) and weaknesses (indicating that limited process skill development may not challenge more capable students). Limited process skill development and the possibility for the program…

Describes Project COLD (Climate, Ocean, Land, Discovery) a scientific study of the Polar Regions, a collection of 35 modules used within the framework of existing subjects: oceanography, biology, geology, meterology, geography, social science. Includes a partial list of topics and one activity (geodesic dome) from a module. (Author/SK)

Offers suggestions for designing outdoor activities to provide students with opportunities for exploring, observing, and discovering. Outlines several science activities for each of the following topics: trees, rocks, soil, insects, wild flowers, grasses, lichens, and clouds. (DS)

Provides guidelines for a custom-made science program that integrates science, math, and technology. Describes the curriculum which is divided into themes including the applied sciences, cycles of the universe, plate tectonics, rock, water, and life. (Author/RT)