Vygotsky argued that children's development is most likely to occur when, in the course of collaboration, assistance is provided within their zone of proximal development--the distance between what a child can achieve independently and what he or she can do with the assistance of a more competent member of their culture. This paper reports the…

Common questions that children ask can promote creative thinking. The question, "What will happen if...?" can set the stage for creative problem solving by encouraging the use of the scientific method. The scientific method involves learning how to hypothesize, recording procedures for experimentation, developing skills in observation and data…

Describes several activities using water as an investigative, manipulative, and highly sensory science material for young children. (Author/PEB)

Presents brief annotation for each of 81 books, selected as outstanding science children's trade books for grades K-6 published in 1974. Appropriate grade level of each book is given. Books selected are said to be accurate, readable, and have pleasing formats. (Author/EB)

The article urges teachers to keep an open mind concerning UFO's and to develop this open-mindedness in students as well as critical thinking. Includes a bibliography of readings on UFO's. (BR)

Presents detailed teaching plans for activities with "rubberized" magnets as well as background information and alternative teaching-learning approaches. This activity may be used to develop student skills in inferring and in observing evidence of interaction. Includes instructions for equipment construction. (BR)

Describes the construction of a model to show circumpolar stars. (BR)

Describes springs as an inexpensive piece of science equipment to use in a first grade classroom. (BR)

This booklet was designed as an aid for elementary and secondary school teachers. It is divided into two distinct parts. Part I is a brief tutorial which introduces some of the most important concepts about comets. Areas addressed include: the historical importance of Comet Halley; how comets are found and names; cometary orbits; what Comet Halley…

The purpose of this article is to outline some of the characteristics of children's notions of physical causality and to relate this to how one might expect the typical five-year-old, eight-year-old, and twelve-year-old to approach a problem in science. (Author)

Directions are given for student learning activities on illusions, shadows, the spectrum, and colors. (DT)

Addresses the current issue of confusion surrounding the widespread use of the term inquiry. Attempts a resolution of the confusion by presenting a model of the processes of scientific inquiry, and proposes that the model's applications can be fruitful for teaching by inquiry. (Editor/JR)

Presented is a report reviewing and evaluating the status of elementary science education in the state of Virginia. The report addresses the questions of: (l) What patterns can be observed from the adoption, by local schools, of elementary science programs? (2) What do standardized tests tell about elementary students' learning in science? (3)…