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…

Habits of inquiry should be nurtured as early as possible. Elementary students must be challenged to ask good questions and develop inquiring attitudes. As a science teacher, educator, professional developer, and science program reviewer, the author has often observed that the default is to use "good" science investigations from…

Describes the Super Science Sleep-Over, a slumber party held at an elementary school centered around a "Kaleidoscope of Science" theme. Discusses 10 steps to organize a science sleep-over including surveying interest, recruiting instructors, developing a schedule, registering students, assigning jobs, details, the program, designing an evaluation,…

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…

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)

While the sight of a spider may cause a shriek of alarm from an adult, the very same sight might evoke a squeal of delight and fascination from a child. Even "icky" and "gross" creatures can become part of great science lessons. That's the goal of "Spiderrific," a unit of the New Jersey 4-H Science Discovery Series.…

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)

Summarizes changes in student achievement and behavior (cross-racial selections) due to the adoption of an activity-based elementary education program (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Classroom Laboratories and Elementary Science Study units) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Emphasis of hands-on experience in mixed-race groups was effective in student…

Describes a science program developed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, "Nature in the City," in which students and teachers learn together about the natural community surrounding their school. Includes program's rationale, list of "adventures," and methods. Discusses strategies of Sherlock Holmes'"adventure" focusing on animal tracks…

After attending an astronomy camp at Tarleton State University (TSU) for teachers and secondary students in Summer 2002, the author, a kindergarten teacher, was disappointed to discover that the university offered no science camps for elementary students. She returned to her preK-K campus, whining to her principal. What a shame no one would take…