With the release of the "Next Generation Science Standards," many schools are reexamining the science materials they are using. Textbook companies and kit developers are eager to meet the demand for "NGSS"-aligned teaching materials. Teacher may have been asked to serve on a science curriculum committee, or to evaluate current…

Describes an elementary school summer program designed to allow children to develop their fullest potentials for logical thinking and structuring their own knowledge. In particular, the activities of the science center are discussed. (JR)

Describes Waunakee Community School's six-week Summer Science Program for students entering the seventh grade. Students are selected for this science enrichment program on the basis of interest, ability, and maturity. Program content includes wetlands, forests, prairies, and animals, concluding with a camping trip. (DS)

Presents criteria for identifying gifted children which are most often responsible for discriminating against handicapped children. (SA)

Presents a framework to help schools make environmental education integrated. The framework is also designed to help teachers decide if and what activities would be appropriate for their classes and to show how decisions can be made which relate environmental education within and across grades. (Author/EB)

Suggests areas of consideration when "custom fitting" a science program to a school district, its teachers, students, and resources of time, space, and equipment. (CS)

Although weather, including its role in the water cycle, is included in most elementary science programs, any further examination of raindrops and snowflakes is rare. Together rain and snow make up most of the precipitation that replenishes Earth's life-sustaining fresh water supply. When viewed individually, raindrops and snowflakes are quite…

Presented is an article urging teachers of science to handicapped students in the mainstream school to accept the challenge of involving the handicapped child as a contributing member of their regular classes. To do this the teacher must have access to a variety of materials. (EB)

A model elementary science program was established through cooperation of Washington, DC, schools and the National Science Teachers Association. The program is expected to be a model for techniques and strategies adaptable to other schools. Program content, instructional purposes, and the fully equipped laboratory used are discussed. (DH)

Discusses criteria used in selecting the 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) exemplary elementary science, inquiry, science/technology/science programs. Includes lists of winners in these three areas. (JN)

Describes how to organize "SMATH TECH--For Kids Only!" a two-day convention for elementary students focusing on science, mathematics, and technology. The convention costs about $4,000 for 300 students to attend. (PR)

Describes the activities, goals, resource materials, and ways to participate in National Science and Technology Week. (MDH)

Elementary school science curricula being produced commercially are reviewed by NSTA Curriculum Review Center. Emphasis is given to the Modular Activities Program in Science (MAPS). (EB)

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)

The article explores some of the possible reasons for what the author describes as an apparent failure of the use of innovative elementary school science programs developed over the past dozen years and suggests some possible solutions. Six suggestions are given to reduce or overcome barriers to change. (EB)