The "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS") state that by the end of fifth grade, students are expected to understand the water cycle, also called the hydrologic cycle, and the three states of matter in which water can exist (NGSS Lead States 2013). Logically, many educators choose to teach these topics concurrently or…

Elementary science experiences help develop students' views of science and scientific interests. As a result, teachers have been charged with the task of inspiring, cultivating, recruiting, and training the scientists needed to create tomorrow's innovations and solve future problems (Business Roundtable 2005). Who will these future…

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…

Throughout the study described in this article, the author aims to foster in students an attitude shift--not just an ability to memorize or label a picture of a microscope but an understanding of what scientists do and how scientists build on previous discoveries. Great scientists were ordinary people--like themselves--who did extraordinary…

Describes questioning techniques for elementary school science instruction. Emphasis is placed on questions designed to assist students in value clarification. Stress is placed on personal thoughts, feelings, alternatives, consequences and self-direction. (JM)

Anyone who has spent time looking at science books with young children has no doubt experienced the endless questions that the information and visuals in the books can stimulate. Books prompt questions, which can lead to further reading about and investigation of science topics. Whether from a textbook or a nonfiction trade book, informational…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a census-like survey of the knowledge, skills, understandings, and attitudes of young Americans. This abridged report deals with the data collected in science during the first round of assessment in 1969-70. (JR) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results…

Reports the results of a questionnaire asking 224 elementary school teachers and 5152 elementary school students in Indiana what students want from schools. Results indicate girls have interests equal to boys in science and science-oriented careers, and that teachers did not think their students were interested in science. (DS)

Presents an argument for inquiry-based activities and defines science as talking to the material world. Discusses the notion that a hands-on activity is an inquiry-based activity only if a dialog with the material world takes place. (DDR)

It is suggested that further study into children's attitudes about science must be carried out at various grade levels. Teachers in the multi-grade level classrooms are considered good sources for new insight into the problems of why students' attitude toward science appears to fluctuate. (EB) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in…