Introduces a project called Teaching Elementary Physical Science (TEPS) which targets the improvement of elementary school science. Uses a cross-level mentoring approach between elementary and secondary school science teachers. Recommends providing opportunities to elementary school teachers to acquire specific teaching skills and self-confidence.…

Presents units that address states of matter and changes of states of matter linked with the water cycle and integrates literacy and science. Discusses the language in science books. Lists characteristics of good science inquiry units. (Contains 11 references.) (ASK)

Integrating curriculum is important in helping children make connections within and among areas. Presents a class project for kindergarten children which came out of the students' interests and desire to build a reptile exhibit. (ASK)

Investigated the effects of direct experiences with sounds that vary in loudness and pitch contrasted with the effect of adding an instructional experience in which children (n=115 five- and six-year-old children) were involved in conversations and demonstrations about volume and pitch differences in sound. Concludes that experience coupled with…

Charts some of the landmarks in the tortuous path towards science becoming an established part of primary education over the last 100 years. While ideas and practices have come and gone, overall there has been real change in the status and quality of teaching and learning in science. (Contains 32 references.) (Author/ASK)

Shares understanding of what a concept carton is. Outlines views of those who have used them. (ASK)

Discuses how gifted students may do and learn science. Uses the book "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss to teach science to gifted students. (ASK)

Presents several scientific activities for elementary school students focusing on electric circuits and conductivity. (ASK)

Warm days, cold nights, melting snow-signs winter is waning and spring is nearing. Though winter may just be getting started in some areas, it's always fun to appreciate the good things about winter, including the special time at the end of winter in New England known as "sugaring time." The sap starts flowing in the sugar maples, and…

One of the most difficult jobs of elementary school teachers is teaching science for conceptual understanding. Conceptual understanding requires students to organize facts and ideas into a meaningful concept in science. Facts and concepts form webs that can help students make connections between the concepts of science and their experiences.…

The new science curriculum in Ireland is promoting a more scientific culture in the primary phase. For many years, science teaching in the Republic of Ireland at primary level was little more than a comprehension exercise. However, with the introduction of the new curriculum in 1998, science education has changed radically, becoming a more…

The seashore is many things: (1) a place of wonder and delight--inspiring artists and composers; (2) a place of work--for transport and fishing; and (3) a place for play--for sandcastles, surfing and swimming, sailing. In this article, the authors offer some tips on exploring the flora and fauna of the seashore. (Contains 3 boxes and lists 4…

Science is creative. Write it big, shout it loud, because the message is not getting through. There is much discussion about creativity in education at the moment, yet how often does one hear the minister for "this" or the expert in "that" discuss creativity and immediately start talking about the arts? If "creativity" in the curriculum is…

This paper investigates the educational role of museums of chemistry in presenting chemistry to the public in Italy, particularly to students. The activities carried out by Italian museums and scientific collections completely dedicated to chemistry have been analyzed, focusing on the relationship between these institutions and students with…

This article discusses the role of imagination in science education. It provides a justification for imaginative thinking in the context of school science, as well as some strategies that can be implemented by science teachers in their classrooms.