This science teacher's laboratory is a pond within walking distance of his school that provides a stimulating environment for exploring the natural world. With simple materials students practice making careful observations, taking measurements and compiling and graphing information for their science studies. They also extend their pond experiences…

Discusses the plight of primary level science in Australian schools and examines possible solutions to the difficulties. (SL)

Presents monthly guides on how to teach basic subjects. (RK)

Discusses the role of the National Consortium on Testing (NCT) and the concerns over limitations, and misuse of standardized tests. (SL)

Describes a method of teaching reading to third grade students which incorporated extensive handling of science material. (SL)

Describes a technique whereby students construct drawings of their bodies on cardboard with transparency overlays. (CP)

A planetarium, star projector, and projector stand all which can be built for $30 are pictured. Classroom activities involving the materials are described. (CP)

A five-week introductory unit on electricity, structured in a historical perspective provided by the letters of Ben Franklin, is described. (CP)

Assesses elementary school teachers' needs through use of the Moore Assessment Profile. One hundred and seven K-6 teachers responded to the survey. Factor analysis revealed that the sample perceived four need areas: (1) providing realistic science experiences; (2) developing basic science skills; (3) developing an understanding of the relationship…

Young children are more comfortable in the light because they can more easily recognize their surroundings. In this article there are activities for preschoolers that include controlling a light source, playing with prisms, and shadow play indoors and outdoors. Each activity is described in detail and needed materials are simple. (MA)

An experiment on the heat conductivity of different materials are described. Applications for energy education in the elementary classroom are implied. (MDR)

Sticks, string and observation start children off on the bare bones of human biology. (Editor)

The study sought to investigate the effects of available science materials, the physical plant, and the patterns of teacher behavior on the behaviors of fifth-grade students. Some significant treatment as well as aptitude-treatment effects were observed. (CP)

Eight low-productive sixth grade students were used in this token reinforcement study. Teacher direct reinforcement and liked-peer indirect reinforcement were both found to increase productivity. (CP)

Describes a simple inquiry game which involves displaying a problem situation picture, with a portion of the picture covered. Children are then challenged to discover what is happening. (SL)