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…

Discusses the development and implementation of the Standards of Learning (SOL)-Science, a publication which contains content concepts for K-12 science programs in Virginia. Examples of indicators for a criterion and suggestions for gathering evaluative data are given. (DH)

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)

Compares eight states on their inservice teacher training programs, changes in the science curricula (including instruction requirements, skill lists, and/or syllabi development), curriculum evaluation, budget-program/personnel commitments, and resources for assistance. These states include Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Oregon,…

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)

This article presents how Developmental Approaches in Science, Health and Technology (DASH) summer institute sparks the author to try and succeed in using inquiry with her young students. It is a program created by the Curriculum Research and Development Group, University of Hawaii, and funded in part by the National Science Foundation. DASH is an…

Describes the science program that has been developed in Sierra Leone elementary schools over the past eight years. (JR)

Describes the Health and Growth Program for grades K-8 published by Scott, Foresman and Company. (EB)

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)

Outlines and discusses elements for designing elementary school science programs, considering: goals and objectives; scope; sequence (arrangement dependent on logic, topic, hierarchy, developmental psychology, or combinations); instructional strategies; evaluation; and inservice education. Also suggests that textbooks serve as points to begin the…

Four approaches may be used to convert an existing textbook science program into a district science program. These include correlated resource, chapter, lesson, and generalized approaches, each approach using an adopted textbook series as a base (determining subject scope/sequence) into which local aims and resources may be integrated. (Author/JN)

Addresses issues related to the mortality of elementary science programs, considering role of curriculum planners, teachers, and building principals. Gives examples of factors responsible (in the form of a "10 most wanted poster") with at least one countermeasure for each. (JM)

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 two elementary science curriculum materials. Reading about Science Skills and Concepts is a program containing a series of seven supplementary high-interest low-level science readers for upper elementary and middle school students. Beginning Everyday Science Early outlines why teachers should teach science to young children, teacher…

Reviews Solar Energy Education Project (SEEP), a set of 10 curriculum guides emphasizing process skills as well as content for grades K-9. Solar concepts are taught almost exclusively through process activities and, although developed in Australia, the curriculum is easily adaptable to American classrooms. (Author/JN)