Students' eyes grow wide with wonder as they get a motor to work or make a bulb light for the first time. As these daunting feats of electrical engineering remind us, teaching electricity is invariably rewarding and worthwhile. In this inquiry-based science project, elementary students work in pairs to design and wire a shoe box "room" that meets…

These teacher-tested ideas will guide students in creating true inquiry-based projects. Two of the ideas, the Topic Selection Wizard and Science Project Timeline, are appropriate for all science fair programs, even new ones. For existing programs, the Black Box of Project Improvement and After-School Project Clinic improve project quality and…

Children are natural scientists full of curiosity. This curiosity allows them to ask questions about and to investigate their surroundings. Since science is not just a collection of facts to be learned, but rather investigations that need to be made, teachers should encourage that natural curiosity in the classroom. Luckily, the "Next…

Summertime in Alaska offers students many options for science projects. The brief season offers an opportunity to explore plant life, wildlife, environmental phenomena, and various other science and social science topics. Most of the research conducted at the camp could not be done during students' regular academic year due to Alaska's harsh…

Using many different media, students can turn leaves into images which can be used for study, bulletin boards, collections, and identification. The simple techniques described include pastel printing, smoke prints, ink or tempura printing, bleach printing on t-shirts, ditto machine printing using carbon paper, and making cutouts. (DH)

Discusses planning necessary for a successful elementary school science fair. Includes a science fair checklist. (JN)

In the activity described, elementary school children each adopt a tree and make monthly observations which are recorded in their log books. (JR)

Presents comments on problems voiced by teachers about conducting science fairs with middle school children, also cites some advantages of science fairs. A list of simple experiments is offered that are considered within the interests and intellectual range of middle school children. (Author/EB)

Success of the Murch Elementary School (Washington, DC) science fair is due to many factors which are applicable to other schools. Suggestions, ideas, and hints are given in this description of the school's program. Projects with an electrocardiogram, water weeds, and preserving ice are also discussed. (DH)

Building bankhides (areas for trout to rest, hide from predators, and wait for their next meal) is one project of the Bettendorf (Iowa) Community School District's K-12 field science programs. Discusses sixth graders involvement and related activities in the bankhide project. (JN)

Presents a science activity that can be organized and made functional in a willing community to include an array of unique environmentally- oriented occupations and an abundance of natural resources. The activity will improve academic performance and attitudes of young students. (EB)

Science is an often ignored subject in the elementary grades. This article lists and briefly discusses ten suggestions for strengthening and enriching an elementary science curriculum. Among the ways given are science fairs, museums, outdoor learning centers, filmstrips clinics, and school weather stations. (MA)

Assesses the benefits of a minizoo project which incorporates an animal lending program. Describes the instructional opportunities made available to teachers and students through this offering. Also explains the functions and activities of an animal club for children. (ML)

For the sake of grade school entrants in particular, nonexperimental science fair projects should be encouraged and accepted for science fairs. Support for this approach is given along with several suggestions for projects. Guidelines for judging nonexperimental projects are also included. (DH)