The fifth in a series of innovators in the teaching of elementary school science, this essay outlines the contributions of Florence Billig (1890-1967). (CS)

To clarify the meaning of electrical terms, a chart is used to compare electrical concepts and relationships with a more easily visualized system in which water flows from a hilltop reservoir through a pipe to drive a mill at the bottom of the hill. A diagram accompanies the chart. (Author/SK)

Since there appears to be a direct relationship between reading comprehension and vocabulary, an inventory is offered which assesses students' knowledge of the meaning of "combining forms" (automobile, aero-dynamics, etc.) and not words themselves. The inventory can serve as a model to develop additional inventories for Latin/Greek roots.…

Discusses ways of motivating students to read science trade books, tips for selecting such books, and the value of using them in the classroom. (DC)

Describes science activities related to Christmas and Thanksgiving, including identification of evergreen trees, tree shapes, pine cone and needle collections, edible decorations, and instructions for preparing bird food called "bird pudding." (SK)

A coding scheme was developed which reflected individual differences among students with various handicapping conditions and their adjustment to "hands-on," activity-centered science materials. The scheme was utilized in the observation of four special education student's interactions with the science materials from Science Activities…

Reports results of a study to assess ability of children from different age groups (N=144) to generalize two hierarchically related concepts (Insect and Animal) with and without instruction in the form of a mental set. Also examined effects of age, I.Q., and sex on ability to generalize these concepts. (Author/JN)

Explored were classification criteria selected by primary children in free classification situations as a function of grade levels, socioeconomic background, and some characteristics of the classification tasks. Conclusions indicate a strong preference to classify items by their form. Student differences in free and guided classifications are…

Reports the results of a questionnaire asking 224 elementary school teachers and 5152 elementary school students in Indiana what students want from schools. Results indicate girls have interests equal to boys in science and science-oriented careers, and that teachers did not think their students were interested in science. (DS)

Describes a study which analyzes the impact of three different humane education treatments, all examples of traditional programs taught by local humane societies to fifth- and sixth-grade students. Results are compared with similar studies previously conducted. (CS)

Defines six modes of simulation that have been used in science teaching and learning. Discusses the implications of using simulations in the science classroom. (CS)

This study examines the effectiveness exercises based on the cognitive conflict, existing within the child, between two representational systems related to temperature: the qualitative-verbal one and the quantitative-numerical one as these relate to the advancement of children's understanding of the concept of temperature. (Author/DS)

Described is a science classroom program with centralized materials, and assistance and workshops for teachers. Classroom materials on one of five topics rotate every six weeks among five schools. Teachers plan specific units to match the arrival of the materials in their schools. (Author/DS)

This study focuses on the transmission stage of curriculum implementation, specifically at the interaction level of curriculum developer and teacher. Level of agreement regarding objectives and priorities between evaluators, teachers, and developers was determined for a unit on "colors" developed for primary school children and partially…

Investigates cumulative effects of SCIS in terms of students' attitudes. Hypothesized and supported is that students exposed to the complete SCIS program would show a greater degree of positive attitude toward science, experimenting, and the scientist than would those not exposed to SCIS. Results indicating sex differences in attitudes are…