Analyzes videotape data of a summer science camp for elementary school children and characterizes students' orientations when exploring natural phenomena as modes of engagement. Reports that the six frequently observed orientations toward phenomena include exploration mode, engineering mode, pet care mode, procedural mode, performance mode, and…

This document is a description of an inquiry oriented, hands-on, kit-based science program initiated by the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology in its culturally diverse urban school district. Descriptions include the PUSD science program setting, the major components of the program,…

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)

Introduces the Earth Science Summer Institute for elementary teachers, a program of professional development in content and inquiry. Focuses on concepts and learning demonstrating the interconnectedness of earth science topics. (Author/YDS)

Describes a science learning program sponsored by the State University of New York College (SUNY) at Geneseo which brings together elementary students, parents, and university students and faculty for an evening of fun, meaningful science experiments, demonstrations, and activities. Includes sample activities. (KHR)

The purpose of this study is to examine patterns of implementation of an inquiry-oriented science program for elementary school students. Project SEED (Science for Early Education Development) is a hands-on science education program for elementary school students in grades kindergarten through 5th. Teachers in 20 elementary schools in Pasadena…

This curriculum guide provides: (1) information on the philosophy of the elementary school science program in Alberta; (2) a list of eight general objectives for science education; (3) 11 statements which identify the desirable characteristics of an elementary science program; (4) a discussion of inquiry in elementary science, considering process…

Reports on effectiveness of an elementary school science program comparing attitudes toward science of Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) students and teachers with those of students and teachers in non-SCIS classes. Students (N=456) indicate preference for SCIS process-approach science, and SCIS teachers (N=109) spend more time teaching…

Describes a workshop to provide parents, their elementary school children, and elementary teachers with a common science learning environment. It included 45 activities/demonstrations with directions and learning notes. The primary goal was to promote inquiry through involvement and interaction with each other, discovery, discussion, and thinking…

This four-part publication is designed to assist New York school personnel in designing local elementary science programs that will help students increase their scientific literacy. Part I addresses various topics related to implementing a local elementary science program, considering local planning, Regents goals, science instruction, time…

Science materials reviewed include "TOPS" (an inquiry-based physical science program for grades five-eight consisting of 22 modules and three books, each covering a single topic) and "Come With Me Science Series" (interdisciplinary science units for grades K-three). Describes and assesses student/teacher materials, typical activities, and overall…

Describes the changes and trends in elementary school science in Great Britain. Discusses the justification for the development of programs at the elementary school level and some of the essentials of good practice. Indicates some of the myths about elementary science and provides guidelines for progressing from elementary to secondary science.…

Describes a summer program project designed and conducted by a mixed-age group of elementary children. Students collected data to determine whether a local stream was polluted, and interpretations of the data varied. An informational video about the project and the creek was produced. (PVD)