Assessment serves many purposes in the elementary classroom. Formative assessment, often called assessment for learning, is characterized by its primary purpose--promoting learning. It takes place both formally and informally, is embedded in various stages of an instructional cycle, informs the teacher about appropriate next steps for instruction,…

Describes a teaching program that encourages student creativity by stimulating them to invent'' Rube Goldbergian apparatus from discarded materials in creativity kits supplied by the teacher and supplemented by students. (AL)

Describes the use of science-related activities to celebrate holidays. (PEB)

This evaluation report is concerned with Phase 3 of the Three Phase Primary Science (TPPS) course piloted in Papua, New Guinea, primary schools in 1969 and which was to be taught in all primary schools in 1973. Phase 1 is a series of activities; Phase 2, a series of simple experiments for the pupils. Phase 3 is a series of more formal experiments…

This third annual publication contains ten articles written by college instructors who teach elementary science methods courses. Subjects considered include contract teaching, classroom techniques for isolating and culturing molds, science interests in the intermediate grades, a proposed program of science education for the elementary teacher,…

The book of selected readings was designed to include articles which give a clear picture of elementary science today and to familiarize pre-service teachers with professional journals in education and the teaching of science. It updates an earlier edition published in 1967. The book is organized into eight sections: the role of science in the…

Describes an outdoor educational program at the University of California Botanical Garden in which children are encouraged to handle the plants and are provided with a taped commentary. By the use of an inquiry method, children learn how the Californian Indians used many of the native plants. (JR)

Described is the background and methodology of this study including the sample and the instrument development. Copies of the instruments are included. The success of the program as measured by these instruments is reported. (CW)

This book of selected readings was designed to include articles which give a clear picture of elementary science today and to familiarize preservice teachers with professional journals in education and the teaching of science. This third edition continues to be concerned not only with current thinking, practices, and research in elementary science…

Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) is a reality-oriented approach to teaching emphasizing activities in which students define and solve their own problems. Examples of problems and activities found in schools using USMES guides are presented as well as a brief history of the project. (JP)

Detailed statistical information concerning elementary school science education in the 1961-62 school year is contained in this document. Survey information from the approximately 1,500 school districts participating in the study describe: (1) the enrollment and organization of public elementary schools; (2) the science curriculum, facilities, and…

Discusses the importance of the tactile sense in the learning process of young children. Describes a program in which children are able to handle natural history objects provided by a museum. (JR)

Describes evaluative data obtained during the Colorado Elementary Science Project which used elementary teachers to provide inservice training for other teachers after intensive experience with one of the national elementary science projects. Makes recommendations for implementation and change of this diffusion model. (AL)

A roomful of activity--book nook, mini-cinema, creature features--provides an effective and delightful mix of reading and science skills. (Editor)

A model for a two-week summer science teaching workshop is presented. Included are the goals and objectives of the science/technology/society course, the history of the program, and some results for students using these methods. (CW)