The Grand Canyon, the natural wonder visited most often in the United States, is explored on foot, on burro, and by boat in this article. Learn about the canyon's different rock layers as well as its erosion, plant life, animal life, and water flow. (JM)

A science fair for learning disabled (LD) students is described. Includes a profile of the LD class, change in student attitudes during the fair, and comments on the sense of student accomplishment generated as a result of the fair. (Author/JN)

Step-by-step instructions are given for constructing terrariums as a class project. (SJL)

Describes the use of an inflatable planetarium, the STARLAB, in teaching astronomy to elementary school students. (SA)

Suggests nonfiction science books and novels for an elementary unit on science fiction. (SJL)

Described is a science program for students in grades 3 and 4. Because there is only one hour per week set aside for science instruction, an attempt has been made to incorporate science into other subject areas. (KC)

Presents two sets of astronomy activities for elementary students: (1) constructing scale models of the solar system which depict relative distances and diameters, and (2) demonstrating the effects of factors responsible for the seasons. (WB)

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)

Different approaches to the teaching of elementary science are discussed. These include discussion inquiry, the counterintuitive approach, pictorial riddles, inventions, experiments, and demonstrations. (RLV)

Most primary school teachers do not use constructivist teaching because they find it difficult and impractical to implement. Uses the Five Es model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration and Evaluation) and results show that it is found interesting and fun by students, motivates learning, and promotes higher-order thinking skills. (SOE)

Examines parent and teacher roles in elementary science instruction. Advocates involving parents as part of the community of learners in elementary science and mathematics education because they are critically important to the overall quality of education. Parent recommendations included receiving specific information from teachers through…

This list, published by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council, contains titles and annotations of outstanding science trade books. It is also a popular service for teachers and media specialists. The books are grouped by topic areas including anthropology and paleontology, biography, Earth science, environment…

Investigates what questions elementary students would ask when presented with various situations relating to the natural environment. Findings reveal the extraordinary range of questions that elementary students have concerning the solar system and space. (JRH)

Compares the traditional textbook-based elementary science teaching method with the following innovative approaches: (1) Inquiry; (2) Science-Technology-Society (STS); and (3) Conceptual Change. Argues that the Conceptual Change approach has the greatest impact on student thinking and permits teachers to focus on important aspects. (FMW)

Presents activities for helping elementary students learn about Newton's third law of motion. Several activity cards demonstrate the concept of the law of action and reaction. The activities require only inexpensive materials that can be found around the house. (SM)