Describes the origin of limestone caverns, using Mammoth Cave as an example, with particular reference to the importance of groundwater information of caverns, the present condition of groundwater, and how caverns develop within fluctuating groundwater zones. (BR)

Describes the opportunity teachers have to develop attitudes of respect and responsibility in young children. For example, the way the teacher interacts with children will determine whether they are kind to animals, Respect in children develops from being respected, and responsibility from having a stake in a project or any endeavor. (BR)

Presents some activities for studying trees. (SJL)

Teachers can use animals in the classroom to stimulate observation skills and creative thinking. Several learning activities featuring animals are described, and tips are given on selection and care. A reproducible sheet for recording observations is included. (IAH)

How do we support the enthusiasm children show for biology in school? Unfortunately, lack of exciting practical work and boring biology lessons seem to make science less popular. As a senior lecturer in plant physiology at Karlstad University I have simplified experiments intended for students at university and then tested them on 10-11 year old…

In this article, the author shares some of his ideas and tips for using models and analogies. He explains why he uses analogies and models in science teaching and describes the advantages of using models and analogies. He also emphasizes the role of the teacher as the person to introduce the models. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)

This article examines the role elementary school children's spontaneous metaphors play in learning science. The data consists of tape recordings of about 25 h from five different schools. The material is analysed using a practical epistemology analysis and by using Dewey's ideas on the continuity and transformation of experience. The results show…

The museum visit is an important part of elementary school science teaching. However, a divide exists between teachers, who require curricular accountability, and museums, who emphasize free-choice exploration. Can a carefully constructed worksheet bridge this divide by providing free-choice exploration of curricular topics during the museum…

This booklet provides parents of children ages 3 through 10 with information, tools, and activities they can use in the home and community to help their child develop an interest in the sciences and learn about the world around them. This brochure was drawn from the larger booklet in the "Helping Your Child" series, "Helping Your Child Learn…

In light of the importance science plays in people's lives and society, it is perplexing to observe the minimal attention given to science instruction--especially in the elementary grades. Though some information presented here is not new, the authors' intent is to stimulate a dialogue about effective elementary science instruction by offering a…

This research examines the impact of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act on elementary science education within a Midwestern state possessing strong national education measures. Elementary teachers (N = 164) responded to an online survey, which included both closed-ended and open-ended questions pertaining to science instruction and changes made…

The standards movement arrived in the mid-1980s and new curriculum frameworks of instruction were crafted for the reform of science and mathematics curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for teachers. Today, the warning calls about science and mathematics education, the fading STEM (science, technology, engineering, and…