Due in part to testing pressures, for years the science subject has taken a back seat to reading and math. And though topics like volcanos and time travel have the potential to get kids' attention, science's status as a curricular stepchild typically translates into dull textbooks and little budget for experiments or supplies. The tide is…

Useful materials for science projects are described (CK)

An article about musk oxen is used to introduce the role of clothing in keeping warm. Experiments for primary and advanced classes are included. (MT)

Outlines eight science experiments that require no materials except household trash. (SJL)

Article described an experiment in which students learned to investigate the sound of water particles falling over rocks as well as the change in composition of rocks as they travel along the riverbed. (RK)

Presents a six-step problem-solving process which the author has used to present creative science investigations to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. (Author/SJL)

Gives four science lessons for third graders concerning combustion, density, static electricity, and air pressure and surface tension. (RH)

Intended for the elementary teacher who lacks science teaching experience, this article presents tips for finding background information and for stocking a portable "science lab" with everyday materials. It also outlines 10 easy experiments. (SJL)

Presents a science experiment about oil spills and oil pollution for 7th- and 8th-grade science students. This variation on a method used by pollution control experts to clean up oil spills shows students how oil is collected after an oil spill, explaining that with this method, much of the damage from an oil spill can be averted. (SM)

This article offers ideas and activities to help develop a multidisciplinary unit that motivates students to learn about the languages, legends, and lifestyles of Native Americans. (DF)

This article about science fairs provides a list of topics children can research and suggestions for evaluating the possibilities of project ideas before children invest much work in them. Ideas for selecting a fair date and location, choosing judges, and involving parents and the community are included. (PP)

Information is presented for teaching about the formation of tornadoes and their effects. Ideas for relevant class discussion topics, writing assignments, and experiments to illustrate how temperature and air pressure changes involved in the storms work are also given. (PP)

Suggests how elementary teachers can go beyond the science text and use commonplace materials to create science experiments which sharpen students' observational skills and their ability to formulate testable hypotheses. Seven experiments are outlined, using materials such as paper, cotton socks, and mayonnaise. (SJL)

Elementary teachers can use weather folklore to help students explore and discover facts about weather. An experiment with woolly bear caterpillars examines whether their stripes can predict what kind of winter weather there will be. A investigation about moon halos and rain gives students experience setting up investigations based on questions…