Kindergartners have an energizing sense of wonder and an insatiable desire to learn about the world around them. For this reason, the study of ecosystems and how organisms interact within their environment is very exciting for these young learners. An appropriate place for young students to start constructing their own understanding of living and…

As popular as field trips are, one might think they have been well-studied. Nonetheless, field trips have not been heavily studied, and little research has mapped what actually transpires during field trips. Accordingly, to address this research gap, I asked two related research questions. The first question is a descriptive one: What happens on…

Recognition of the value of a scientifically literate citizenry has driven American science education reform since the 1950s. We have seen some improvement in the comprehension of science facts in the past 10-20 years, but far less improvement in Americans' understanding of the nature of science. College science courses are ideal venues for…

Biology curricula cover fungi in units on bacteria, protists, and primitive plants, but fungi are more closely related to animals than to bacteria or plants. Like animals, fungi are heterotrophs and cannot create their own food; but, like plants, fungi have cell walls, and are for the most part immobile. Most species of fungi have a filamentous…

Zoo and aquarium educators are increasingly providing educationally rigorous programs that connect their animal collections with curriculum standards in mathematics as well as science. Partnering with zoos and aquariums is a powerful way for teachers to provide students with more opportunities to observe, collect, and analyze scientific data. This…

Discusses the use of virtual field trips based on experiences in a grade 6 science classroom. Considers cost effectiveness, lists online resources, and includes a chart and descriptions of 11 specific virtual field trip sites suitable for elementary and secondary school classes. (LRW)

Field trips allow students unique access to resources not available in the classroom. Field experiences enhance students' understanding, are a factor in retention, can be motivational, and are essential for the acquisition of basic science skills. Students learn, in a meaningful way, the procedures of setting goals, observing and recording data,…

This reference guide is designed to organize and suggest acceptable practices and procedures for dealing with safety in elementary science instruction. It is intended as a reference for teachers, administrators, and other school staff in planning for science activities and in making daily safety decisions. Topics covered in the guide include: (1)…

An astronomer gives teachers tips on learning how to look at the night sky then on passing along personal instruction to students. Presents ideas for finding information through astronomers at colleges, science museums, planetariums, research observatories, and on the World Wide Web. Contains a resource list and foldout poster of galaxies with…

Field trips to museums can enrich education, though teachers and parents must guide children's explorations and help them connect their previously gained knowledge with new information from the exhibits. The article describes a study of children in museums, discussing the findings and making suggestions for enhancing museum experiences. (SM)

Describes a class activity in which New York City high school environmental science students take a field trip to visit an active sewage treatment facility and landfill operation. (MDH)

Provides a poster containing activities that are part of the International Space Year. Describes activities in which students visit a local planetarium and re-create a National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) space flight using reports, articles, NASA slides, and videos. Lists organizations, publications, and other resources related to…

Hands-on science activities and first-hand experiences of kindergartners studying trees demonstrate the true meaning of authentic assessment. The activities and teacher interactions had several things in common: (1) they asked students to perform or create something; (2) they invoked real-world applications; (3) they showed that there is more than…

This study addressed whether the educational impact of a zoo visit can be enhanced through the provision of appropriate instructional supports such as preparatory trainings or orientations. One important function of the educational process, in contrast to providing direct information or skill development, is to make the learner more sensitive to…

The Bureau of Education developed this course of study, published as a bulletin, reflecting increased interest of the movement for out-door education and in response to a request to the Bureau from the General Federation of Women's Clubs. It will be of value in promoting a type of study much needed in schools, and it will offer to the primary and…