Creativity continues to be an important goal for 21st century learning. However, teachers often have difficulties fostering creativity in their classrooms. Current creativity research suggests that the act of making can enhance the teaching of creativity. Hands-on engineering design lessons are ideal contexts for studying this effect. Through…

This study examines measures of formative assessment practice using data from a study of the implementation and effects of adding curriculum embedded measures to a hands-on science program for upper elementary school students. The authors present a unifying conception for measuring critical elements of formative assessment practice, illustrate…

This book examines learning science from multiple perspectives--especially a child's. The whimsical character of Mary Froggins guides readers through the steps of igniting students' natural sense of wonder, incorporating brain research, integrating science concepts with other subjects, and applying science to daily life. The authors demonstrate…

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,…

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…

Describes the Science Enrichment Program (SEP), a multicultural summer program that aims at helping participants identify their special aptitudes and develop their particular interests through a multitude of hands-on experiences so that they can identify with an area of science. (JRH)

Investigates how museum visits can be used to meet the goals of practical work. Introduces a framework to facilitate student learning in museums. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Hands-on science is not a new idea. It has been implemented successfully in many schools. But it is far from being universally used in American elementary schools. Several problems must be overcome in order to implement a successful hands-on science program. This booklet contains guidelines to eliminate some of the difficulties involved in…

Provides rich description of the biological diversity found in a 30-mile section of Nebraska known as the "biological crossroads." Argues that the seven major associations of the Niobrara River valley provide a great classroom. Includes a complete listing of plant species. (DDR)

This digest provides an overview of the Head Start on Science (HSS) program which is designed to encourage the science literacy of preschool children in Head Start programs and to improve the capacity of Head Start teachers, assistants, and parents. The overall goal of the HSS program is threefold: (1) to broaden HSS participants' science…

This handbook is designed to help readers understand the educational philosophy and practice of the PEACHES (Primary Explorations for Children and Educators in Science) and GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) programs, and to assist in using GEMS/PEACHES teachers' guides in schools and child care centers. The handbook outlines techniques…

This report documents the creation and evaluation of materials for the Carroll County, Maryland, elementary school science curriculum. Based on a 1983 pilot study and implementation of this program, funding was secured from the National Science Foundation for evaluation of the program. The principal investigating agency was the Carroll County…

This paper describes the background and development, provides an overview, and discusses the evaluation of the Carroll County, Maryland, elementary school science program emphasizing a hands-on approach to science. It uses locally developed materials designed at each grade level and focuses on process skills instead of concepts. The program…

In this investigation we employed a case study approach with qualitative and quantitative data sources to examine and discover the characteristics of the processes used by a midwestern U.S. school system to adopt and implement a new K-6 science curriculum. Analysis of data yielded several results. Elementary teachers received what they requested,…