Describes plant tissues that naturally contain substances poisonous to human beings if taken in large amounts. Some of these toxic materials are found in vegetables and fruits, as well as plants we normally don't eat such as yew. Also notes that plants recently sprayed with pesticides are harmful. (BR)

Describes the concept of the biotic community to aid children in understanding food, space, and other relationships among living organisms, particularly those communities where man is the dominant organism. Outdoor laboratory experiences are suggested to help children see their town or city as a man-dominated biotic community. (BR)

Presents three simple water activities, for grades 4-6, to teach about molecular attraction as seen in surface tension and cohesion. (Author/SJL)

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

Presents seven elementary school science experiments designed as good visual demonstrations of basic scientific principles. (JMB)

Describes the construction of an effective plant incubator for classroom use using a five-gallon plastic bucket. (JRH)

In 1999 the National Committee for Creativity and Culture in Education (NACCCE) produced a report called "All our futures." In many respects it was and still is a seminal report; it raises issues about creativity in education and offers serious messages for Government, schools and the inspection process. The author's research into teacher…

The science leader could find herself or himself in one or all of the following roles, depending to a large extent on how the head teacher sees the role: (1) Leadership; (2) Management; and (3) Administrator. Some head teachers are confident enough in their own overall leadership role to delegate responsibilities to other staff members, thus…

This descriptive study investigated whether elementary and middle school teachers in the Central Appalachian region were prepared to teach selected standards-based light, force and motion concepts they could reasonably be expected to teach. The study also sought to compare their preparedness for teaching these concepts. (Contains 7 figures and 7…

This article describes 1st-year experimental effects of a large-scale reform providing professional development to elementary school teachers to implement an extended, inquiry-oriented science curriculum. Known as "immersion teaching" because it "immerses" teachers and students in the full cycle of scientific inquiry, this…

We all hope our classrooms don't take on a circus-like atmosphere, but juggling can be an engaging way to introduce elementary physics to students. The very act of tossing and catching objects can help students to understand the basic physical principles involved in rotating a set of objects. This article suggests a variety of simple hands-on…

Space Week focuses on concepts that enable students to make concrete observations in the early grades (K-2) and move to concepts that help students develop their internet research and writing skills in middle and upper grades (Grades 3-5), and culminates with the development of science investigation design skills (Grade 6). To help launch your…

A sixth-grade class investigated the ecologies of two local retention ponds over the course of one school year. In this context, instruction assisted development as students designed models of the pond in one-gallon jars and attempted to stabilize these jars in sustainable ecosystems that could be used to study questions about the ponds.…

Curriculum analysis, modification, and enactment are core components of teacher practice. Beginning teachers rely heavily on curriculum materials that are often of poor quality to guide their practice. As a result, we argue that preservice teachers need to learn how to use curriculum materials for effective teaching. To address this concern, the…