Discusses changes in ideas about learning underlying reforms in science education. Highlights experiences with project-based science, which focuses on student-designed inquiry organized by investigations to answer driving questions, including collaboration among learners, new technology, and the creation of authentic artifacts that represent…

Discusses the use of trade books in introducing students to science concepts, reinforcing lessons, and enhancing their reading skills. Highlights the "Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children" list that is a popular service for teachers and media specialists in schools and districts across the country. (JRH)

Presents an annotated list of recently published science trade books in Spanish that can engage students in a variety of science concepts. Books are listed in the categories of biology, ecology, general science, and technology. (JRH)

Presents two activities, the "Super Bubble" that challenges students and parents to blow the biggest bubbles and "For Fingers Only" that asks them to duplicate a pattern of blocks using only the sense of touch. (JRH)

Reports on a qualitative case study of four teachers researching current factors influencing the teaching of elementary science. Indicates that previously documented constraining factors continue to be obstacles to teaching elementary school science. Pressure to meet district science standards and benchmarks is a new external factor, and…

Elementary school science should help students learn to think like scientists--to ask questions, form theories, test hypotheses, observe results, and draw conclusions. This article provides a brief review of several specific guidelines for teaching elementary school science. (IAH)

Some of the background factors and deleterious effects of oil spills are discussed. A classroom activity which demonstrates an oil spill, how the oil affects feathers, and one clean-up method is presented. A list of recent oil spills and three additional resources are included. (CW)

Primary school teachers' responses to interview questions about science concepts are described and compared in general terms with views of scientific concepts held by children. Some possible implications of the findings for the development of primary science are outlined. Sample interview questions are included. (Author/CW)

Presented are 14 student worksheets for use in teaching the care of and humane treatment of animals. Topics of these games and puzzles include state animal trivia, domestic pets and wild animals. An answer sheet for teachers is included. (CW)

Discusses workshops featuring an interactive exhibit program for elementary science teachers. Science is learned in an inquiry-based mode and science teaching props are developed. Describes the interactive science exhibits, needs assessment, and workshop programs. Provides evaluation results of the workshop. (YP)

Presented are 14 student worksheets for use in teaching the care and humane treatment of animals. Topics of these games, puzzles include both domestic pets and wild animals. An answer sheet for teachers is included. (CW)

Describes a learning game in which students will find about 40 different ways they can help animals, learn more about animal needs and people's responsibilities for animal welfare. Provides directions, suggested activities, and two copyable pages of game cards. (Author/RT)

Investigates how analysis of lesson interactions (both discourse and activities) helps to identify the ideas about scientific inquiry which are conveyed in a class of young gifted children (seven-eight years old). Describes three ideas about science and giftedness in science. (YP)

Provides six fully developed library media activities to be used in conjunction with specific curriculum units in reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activities and procedures for completion, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (MES)

Investigates the effect of modeling analogy on learning of the concepts of electricity in grade 6, 8, and 10. Describes 2 analogies (train analogy and thermal analogy) with diagrams and examples. Discusses the accessibility, transferability, and difficulty of each analogy. Reports treatment effect and some further implications. (YP)