As well-developed as they may be, standards are not curriculum. It is the job of teachers and curriculum teams to use the Standards as the basis for designing the specific pathway for teaching and learning. In this article, the authors explore the use of Understanding by Design (UbD), a widely-used curriculum development framework, for honoring…

In this article, the authors provide an overview of engineering and the engineering design process, and describe the steps they took to develop a fifth grade-level, standards-based engineering design task titled "Getting the Dirt on Decomposition." Their main goal was to focus more on modeling the discrete steps they took to create and…

With the integration of engineering into science instruction, teachers have been seeking ways to add engineering in their classrooms. This article presents a primary (K-2) STEM unit that took place in a half-day kindergarten classroom as a way to address the scientific and engineering practices (dimension 1, p.41) and the disciplinary core idea…

Presents a trade book that can be used in teaching the life cycle of butterflies. Includes sample activities and Internet resources. (KHR)

Describes a camping experience and its activities created for girls entering 6th grade who wanted to learn science and explore science-related fields. Indicates that the camping experience for girls promoted positive attitudes toward science learning. (KHR)

Provides recommendations for developing programs for gifted students. Describes the development of an operational talented and gifted program for elementary students in Connecticut, called Operation Mind Stretch. (MA)

Describes in detail a public school program exclusively for gifted children, grades K-12. Discusses criteria for entry into the program, provides profiles of the students, and explains evaluation of student progress. (MA)

Describes a project for building a neighborhood model by a group of primary students. Integrates science, mathematics, and social studies. (KHR)

Describes a systems model for designing environmental education programs in schools. Four major phases are identified which suggest planning experiences for environmental awareness, knowledge, and action. (PS)

"Concepts in Science" (Levels K-9) is described in terms of the textbook's organization, activities, teacher editions, and objectives. Also reviewed is a report highlighting a variety of business-education activities for children. (DS)

Suggested are a variety of ways in which the newspaper can be utilized to teach energy related concepts in the science classroom. Suggestions include using various parts of a newspaper to create energy-related activities. (DS)

Describes a science curriculum, grades 1-12, which features an interdisciplinary approach with a focus on science as an adjunct to reading and math. (Author/MA)

Suggests science activities for gifted students based on the characteristics and needs identified and discussed in the article. (MA)

Described is how the utilization of the science classroom for the development of language skills, particularly in the area of writing. Suggested activities include crossword puzzles, poetry, puppet shows, comic books and letter writing. (Author/DS)

Describes a humanistic, child-oriented science program for gifted students. Stresses open structure, varied learning styles, and experimentation. (MA)