Describes the use of selected elementary teachers as liaison between eight elementary schools and four subject area directors (science, mathematics, language arts, social studies). Teachers are released from classroom duties one day per month to perform administrative and supervisory duties. (BB)

This is an activity suitable for preschool and lower-grade elementary children. It involves growing mold on bread, fruit, and vegetables. (BB)

Findings indicate that students whose teachers support their competence to make classroom decisions, compared to students whose teachers do not, are confident and more committed to making classroom decisions. Students in a cooperative learning structure, compared to those in a competitive one, expect enjoyable and productive decision-making…

Describes a pilot project designed to stimulate parental interest in the science education of their primary school children. (Author/SL)

Reviews the elementary level SRA Metric Measurement Program. (SL)

A total of 79 children, enrolled in 8-month treatments in a textbook series and a science course improvement program, were tested for their attitudes toward science, the scientific process and scientists. Few significant differences between groups and sexes were found. (CP)

Surface tension, a characteristic of liquids, is discussed in this article. Several activities appropriate to the elementary grades are described and explained. Each activity uses common materials to explore this tendancy of water to act as if it were surrounded by a membrane. (MA)

Describes the construction of paddle boats and inquiries that can be made with the boats. (SL)

Seventeen structure-of-intellect (SI) abilities were tested as predictors of success in a Conceptually Oriented Program in Elementary Science (COPES) unit. Three SI abilities involving convergent productive thinking and one involving divergent productive thinking were shown to be significant predictors. (MLH)

Describes a method of bottle cutting. The bottle is filled half full of motor oil and a heated iron rod is inserted into the oil. (SL)

This article reviews the Exploring Science elementary series by Laidlaw Brothers. Evaluation is on the basis of content, format, program features, student evaluation, and teachers' edition. The program is a blend of traditional and new hands-on activities. Emphasis is more content than process oriented, especially in the upper grades. (Author/MA)

Presents a variety of outdoor and classroom activities in which soil is used to teach environmental concepts and to provide students with science process skills practice. Areas considered include: site selection and description; compaction; infiltration rate; temperature; components; water content; and microorganisms. (DH)

Suggests using funnels and tunnels in combination with water, blocks, transportation toys, and other materials to help teach preschoolers to make predictions. Many examples are included for using funnels to understand properties of liquids and for using tunnels to predict order. (DH)

Discusses six strategies for improving student attitudes toward science. It is suggested that teachers: project a credible image; take advantage of social/environmental influences; identify unique student needs; be aware of present student attitudes and skills; use discrepant events to teach science; and involve students in the process of…