Study investigated 5-7 year olds' understanding of electricity. Researchers collected data from students involved in a unit on flashlights both during and after the unit. The views children acquired (alternative or scientific) during the science unit were maintained after the unit's completion. Students did not hold sophisticated ideas about…

A project to develop science curricula for high-ability learners in grades K-8 reviewed curriculum materials and developed criteria for assessing curriculum materials, science concept papers, a scope and sequence model, and exemplary curriculum units. The curriculum centered on the role of students as investigators. Implications of the project are…

Describes an evaluation of a program on science and mathematics for perspective elementary teachers. Among the conclusions are that students in the program (n=65 in 1988 and n=61 in 1989) had significantly more positive scores on teaching science and mathematics than a control group of students. (PR)

Presents a poem about a teapot and presents six investigations with teabags. (PR)

High-low sponges are short, science-related activities or questions that require students to analyze a situation or produce a new idea during extra time that otherwise would be wasted. (PR)

Describes an assignment and the results of having elementary school students design their own interesting and exciting science classroom environment. (PR)

Describes a program utilizing grant money for a marine education project in a Floridian coastal elementary school. (PR)

This study focused on Italian fourth graders' processes of scientific understanding through writing. Explored whether students could use writing as a means to express and compare ideas, whether writing facilitated the understanding of new topics through conceptual change, and whether writing affected the conceptualization of the writing activity…

Presents science activities using material available in cafeterias. The quick activities entice students to investigate further the concepts introduced and also illustrate that common materials can behave in surprising ways. In addition, they make excellent at-home science experiments. (PR)

Presents an activity in which students attempt to keep water at a constant temperature. Helps students in grades three to six hone their skills in prediction, observation, measurement, data collection, graphing, data analysis, and communication. (JRH)

Describes ways to incorporate science into events that typically happen during the school year, including the school carnival, school assemblies, open house, book fair, sports events, newsletters, field trips, schoolyard cleanup, career days, and parent-teacher conferences. Presents tips to encourage parents to support an improved science program…

Describes how to use journal writing in elementary science classes. Writing lets children communicate observations and ideas while reinforcing understanding of key science concepts. Journal ideas include using notebooks to respond to teacher prompts or write about what students are studying; sharing a classroom science journal; and keeping a…

Reports on the conceptions held by preservice primary school teachers regarding an understanding of current views of the nature of science (Author/CCM)

Discusses the role of teachers in environmental education. Presents two simulations on water pollution in order to explore pollution of the environment and investigate the life and ecology of a native bird or investigate predator/prey relationships. (ASK)

Under the adequate yearly progress requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act (2001), states are currently faced with the challenge of demonstrating continuous improvement in student performance in reading and mathematics. Beginning in 2007 to 2008, science will be required as a component of the NCLB Act. This article describes South…