Students love learning outdoors, but how do you ensure they are absorbing the science and gaining skills as they do so? The authors found a way--a fourth-grade classroom teacher, a gifted/science resource teacher, and a group of fourth graders--embarked on a yearlong study of birds and the plants they depend on. They used their school yard as the…

Subjects like Earth science often rely on "ready made" hands-on materials such as kits and modules to support understanding and science inquiry. However, sometimes the materials need adaptations to make sure they suit students' and teachers needs. As part of the Allegheny Schools Science Education and Technology (ASSET) program, the authors…

Believing that science could be used as a vehicle for increasing student achievement across the curriculum, seven science resource teachers in the South Carolina Lowcountry designed a professional development program funded through a Local Systemic Change grant from the National Science Foundation called Project Inquiry. Science notebooks, used in…

Discusses the problems, concerns, and conditions encountered by elementary teachers of science. Supports the need for science specialists in elementary schools. Defines the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of a specialist. (ML)

Contends that classroom teachers can teach science well and offers suggestions for organizing an elementary school staff to ensure that good science teaching would occur. States that each classroom teacher can become a local expert on a particular area of the science curriculum and practice. (ML)

Stresses the importance of hands-on science in elementary schools. Gives tips on designing your own excellent science program. Lists resources for hands-on activities. (RT)