As a fourth-grade science teacher, the author wanted a project that was (a) yearlong in scope, (b) got her students outside more, and (c) laid the groundwork for a learning progression. In this article, she describes a project in which her fourth-grade students created digital field guides for visitors to their school's nature trail. In the…

Although weather, including its role in the water cycle, is included in most elementary science programs, any further examination of raindrops and snowflakes is rare. Together rain and snow make up most of the precipitation that replenishes Earth's life-sustaining fresh water supply. When viewed individually, raindrops and snowflakes are quite…

Imagine a classroom where students look forward to assessments instead of dreading them. In this classroom, students monitor their own learning, receive guidance on how to improve, and can see what all their classmates understand about the topic, too. Now imagine their teacher has tools to find out what individual students already know about a…

Presents a workshop on graphing technology that targeted a diverse group of students from elementary and secondary grades. Includes an activity on exploring the relative rates of heating and sections on reading the graphs, practicing with sensors, and plotting 3-D graphs. (YDS)

Uses multimedia to teach geology to fourth grade students. Explains the HyperStudio project and discusses students' reflections on this project. (YDS)

Explains how the internet can be successfully used in science education by searching different web sites. Points out the dangers of the web such as accuracy of information, information overload, and availability of inappropriate materials. Recommends using web filters, instructing directions for internet searches, and using bookmarks. Uses…

Explains how databases can be used to enrich and complement the science curriculum. Provides examples of applications of databases to science activities and experiments. (ML)

Contains information on rain sticks and other similar musical instruments. Describes procedures for making rain sticks and using them in the study of sound. Discusses the physics of sound and how to utilize computers to study sound with rain sticks. (DDR)

Explains a leaf project on the classification of plants for fifth through eighth grade students. Integrates technology into the unit and studies the subject as an electronic file. Recommends incorporation of metacognitive strategies into students' learning processes. (YDS)

Uses technology to teach science courses to elementary teachers. Involves microcomputers and discusses the motivator role of technology. Introduces the course that is designed for prospective teachers and explains reasons for the development of the course. (YDS)

Reviews five software packages for use with school age children. Includes "Science Toolkit Module 2: Earthquake Lab"; "Adaptations and Identification"; "Geoworld"; "Body Systems II Series: The Blood System: A Liquid of Life," all for Apple II, and "Science Courseware: Life Science/Biology" for…

Reviewed are seven computer software packages for IBM and/or Apple Computers. Included are "Windows on Science: Volume 1--Physical Science"; "Science Probe--Physical Science"; "Wildlife Adventures--Grizzly Bears"; "Science Skills--Development Programs"; "The Clean Machine"; "Rock Doctor";…

Assistive Technology (AT) helps a person with a physical, cognitive, learning, or speech disability perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. There are hundreds of specialized AT devices on the market, but their price tags often prevent their use in elementary science classrooms. Fortunately, affordable technologies "are"…

Reviews six software packages for use with school age children ranging from grade 3 to grade 12. Includes "The Microcomputer Based Lab Project: Motion, Sound"; "Genetics"; "Geologic History"; "The Microscope Simulator"; and "Wiz Works" all for Apple II and "Reading for Information: Level…

Provides a review of four science software programs. Includes topics such as plate tectonics, laboratory experiment simulations, the human body, and light and temperature. Contains information on ordering and reviewers' comments. (ML)