Because students have often been conditioned as passive learners and receivers of knowledge, it can be difficult for them to persevere in solving authentic problems. Nevertheless, teachers must persist in preparing students as problem solvers and critical thinkers. In an urban inner-city neighborhood school in the southeast, students embarked on a…

Presents a computer program which predicts the weather based on student input of such weather data as wind direction and barometric pressure. Also provides procedures for several hands-on, weather-related activities. (JN)

Explains how a user-centered approach to system design addressed the representational and strategic issues that arose when developing an artificial intelligence-based system, the Science Education Advisor, a case-based hypertext browsing system designed to collect and dispense ideas and advice for teaching elementary school science. (39…

Described is the use of computer software to teach elementary scientific processes to sixth graders. Discussed are materials, manuals, procedures and evaluation. The results of a field trial are described. (CW)

This guide explains ways in which the computer can be used in the science classroom and laboratory. Further, it suggests many resources that can be tapped to help teachers initiate and improve their own programs. Chapters include: (1) "The Computer as a Tool for Student Inquiry"; (2) "The Computer as a Tool for Teachers"; (3)…

Presents 28 activities, games, demonstrations, experiments, and computer programs for biology, chemistry, physics, and conservation education. Background information, laboratory procedures, equipment lists, and instructional strategies are included. Topics include nature conservation, chickens in school, human anatomy, nitrogen cycle, mechanism…

This paper examines various topics and issues related to the teaching of science to orthopedically handicapped students. It includes: (1) brief descriptions of programs and materials for orthopedically handicapped students in elementary ("Elementary Science Study" and "Science A Process Approach II"), middle ("Science…

Presented are four activities which are designed to familiarize children with the multiple uses of computers and help them learn about heat and temperature using temperature probes. Included are the tempering effect of water, heat capacity, caloric content of foods, and weather. Hardware and software are discussed. (CW)

Resources that are available for teachers presenting astronomy in the National Curriculum are listed. Included are societies and organizations, resource centers and places to visit, planetaria, telescopes and binoculars, planispheres, star charts, night sky diaries, equipment, audiovisual materials, computer software, books, and magazines. (KR)

Presented is a class activity that uses the database feature of the Appleworks program to create a database from which students may study endangered species. The use of a local zoo as a base of information about the animals is suggested. Procedures and follow-up activities are included. (CW)

Describes a science activity done with sixth graders during a unit on outer space. Uses the "Discovery Lab" software program to introduce controlled and experimental variables to the children. Discusses the coordination of library research, computer time, and creative drawing to study planetary environments by designing representative aliens. (CW)