To become scientifically literate, students need to interpret science concepts using numbers, text, and visuals (Lemke 2004). Scientists use multiple modes to communicate their ideas to each other and the public, including images, text, mathematical notations, symbols, diagrams, charts, and graphs. Several of the science and engineering practices…

Advocates using graphs with young children to express relationships in a visual form. Describes how to teach children about graphs to encourage them to develop the ability to quantify data and the confidence to use this tool for science learning. (NB)

Presents a unit to investigate lemons and experience the real taste of a lemon that includes simple, enjoyable, and inexpensive activities that develop students' observation, prediction, measurement, and inference skills. Students also developed creative arts projects, explored mathematical concepts, and wrote stories about fruit. (NB)

Introduces an activity that involves nature transects and requires students to use their process skills. Indicates the possible use of transects for student evaluation and examines the implementation of transects in the elementary curriculum in a multidisciplinary approach. Provides details of the activity. (YDS)

Describes a lesson in science in which students conduct an experiment involving quantitative variables. Outlines the scientific method and the use of ratios to solve proportional reasoning problems. (RT)