Imagine two fourth-grade classes. Both contain students of comparable demographics and highly respected teachers each with four to five years of experience. Both classes engage in science curricula that emphasize science and engineering practices as outlined in the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013). Both classes…

With the number of popular medical and forensics programs on television and many references in the media today, even elementary students can comfortably throw around terms such as "cells," "DNA," and "artificial products." However, their questions on these topics often go unanswered, or they are left with misinformation regarding these concepts.…

A science and social studies unit developed around rosin is described. Students develop an understanding of the processing of raw material from a plant source into a commercial product and how to protect wood from weathering by preparing, testing, and evaluating varnish and shellac for their wood protective qualities. (Author/DS)

Describes a preschool science-based curriculum which encompasses four broad topics: water, small creatures, gadgetry, and environmental terraria. Includes a description and list of activities for each topic. Presents research suggesting that children participating in this curriculum increased their self-directed discovery and verbalized curiosity.…

Describes science activities which use simple chemical tests to distinguish between materials and to determine some of their properties. Explains the water, iodine, heat, acid, baking soda, acid/base indicator, glucose, and sugar tests. Includes activities to enhance chemical testing and a list of suggested powders for use. (RT)

Explains the development of a science program which was initiated to help students, parents, and other teachers appreciate science. Provides a list of materials needed, procedures, questions, and objectives for performing two of the 30 activities used in the project. (RT)

Described are several activities to be used to help students grasp the concept of floating. The activities include the use of a spring scale to measure the weight of the objects in air, in water, and in salt water, and a discussion of why there are differences in these weights. (DS)

This standard lesson on identifying salt and sugar crystals expands into an opportunity for students to develop their observation, questioning, and modeling skills. Although sugar and salt may look similar, students discovered that they looked very different under a magnifying glass and behaved differently when dissolved in water. In addition,…