This article contains suggestions for introducing the scientific concept of matter and demonstration acids and bases using low-cost, collectible supplies. Sample questions and experiments are listed to help students explore these ideas. A list of household supplies to be used in the experiments is given. (DF)

Stresses the importance of teaching children respect for and interest in spiders and insects. Recommends activities to study arthropods in their natural environment that will be exciting to students, sharpen observation skills, and promote respect and understanding. Lists potential excursion sites and preparatory procedures. (BC)

Suggests that educated persons should be exposed to a body of conceptual knowledge which includes basic principles of the biological and physical sciences. Practical examples involving force, sound, light, waves, and density of water are cited. A lesson on animal tracks using principles of force and pressure is also described. (DH)

Goals and activities of the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program are described. ELF, developed by the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, is a natural science/environmental education program based on curiosity and concerns of elementary-aged children. Also described workshops involving animal pantomime, animal and plant defenses,…

Recounts the dramatic eruption of Mount St. Helens volcano in 1980. Details the force of the blast, extent of damage, changes in landscape, death toll, vulcanism, and ecosystem recovery. Several black-and-white photographs of the area are included. (DH)

An overview is provided of 50 years of research on naive theories in human biology. A set of recommendations aimed at confronting student misconceptions and facilitating conceptual change about the structure and function of the human body is presented, with five lessons described. (MNS)

Suggests a simple technique for collecting and observing human hair roots to compare structure, function, and variation. Students extract their own hair samples and view them using a 40-power microscope objective. Differences between active/inactive phases of hair growth are readily observed. (The activity can be adapted for younger students.) (DH)

Investigated whether differences existed between gifted (N=25) and nongifted (N=25) fifth graders and between the sexes and related subgroups with respect to attitudes toward science. Although results indicated that gifted students had more positive attitudes than nongifted students and boys had more positive attitudes than girls, the findings…

Gives guidelines for creating activities to teach classification skills using such holiday materials as nuts, pine cones, evergreen branches, hard candy, and package stickers. Provides ideas to share with parents in developing skills at home, and precautions in selecting objects. Encourages emphasis on similarities as well as differences when…

Presents results of a study which examined science achievement, attitudes, sex differences, and racial differences among nine-year-olds. Also compares these results to those from three previous National Assessment of Educational Progress studies. Implications for elementary school science instruction are included. (JN)

Described is a science education workshop for elementary school teachers to stimulate and reawaken curiosity in teachers, and to encourage hands-on science activities for their students. (EB)

A program for sixth graders to participate in a study of outer space utilizing individualized learning experiences and small group experiences. (EB)

Three activities for involving students in projects that incorporate writing, drawing and recording their findings are included. The discovery approach is emphasized. (EB)

Outlined are photographic techniques for science instruction. Discussed are equipment, field photography, classroom photography, and aquarium photography. (SL)