A monthly guide to help teach the basic subjects. Here are suggestions for teaching language arts, science and mathematics. (RK)

Described is a state-wide project developed at Washington State University designed to communicate information about innovative curricula in science, mathematics, and social studies at elementary and middle school levels. Summer workshops, ongoing evaluations, and compilation of "a resource roster of teachers" are included in the…

No significant differences were found for grade level, sex, or instructional treatment (activity-based curriculum vs. textbook approach) for third and fourth grade science students as measured by Piagetian Classification Tasks, the Science Attitude Scale, and the Science Achievement Test. (MLH)

Describes an exploration of how light-up shoes work in which students become a community of scientists through debating, questioning, experimenting, formulating ideas, researching, collaborating, and communicating their understandings. (JRH)

Describes a study that included classroom lessons on hydroelectric power, the history and construction of a nearby lake, data recording, the use of field guides, and methods of counting natural populations. The study culminated in a field trip to the lake. (JRH)

Presents a strategy that helps students visualize and comprehend moon phase changes through activities that use an Earth-centered point of view along with direct observations of the moon. Describes activities that parents can use at home to help children become familiar with observing moon phases. (JRH)

Examines preservice elementary teachers' constructs for analyzing their own conceptual change classroom practice. Reports that the candidates used six student-oriented and seven teacher-oriented evaluation criteria and the five most frequent categories were all student-oriented. Suggests that the candidates were using a constructivist framework to…

This year-long study exposed preservice elementary teachers in Fiji to pedagogy based on a constructivist view of learning in order to improve their content knowledge and provide them with greater confidence to teach science. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicated that the constructivist-based teaching approach led to improved learning,…

This interpretive study of a Year Six classroom in North Queensland, Australia focuses on how two contrasting groups of children designed ill-defined engineering structures. The collaboration processes within the research team are explored. Classroom-related findings are also reported. (AIM)

Specifies some of the conflicts in philosophies, values, and priorities regarding scientific knowledge present in the development of science education curriculum standards through the use of the "Science for All Americans project." Excerpts interviews to identify key issues. Examines interest groups concerned with controversial issues…

Examined were the drawings of scientists made by Irish junior high school students under different conditions of instructions. Drawing evaluations were compared to the scores of these same pupils on the "Women in Science Scale." (CW)

A hands-on science lesson which allows young students to apply stains in the classroom and then try to remove them is presented. Included are a list of materials, procedures, and a discussion of probable results. (CW)

Describes activities which help students understand several basic scientific concepts regarding water. Outlines objectives, materials needed, procedures, and questions to ask about student observations. Investigations include working with the self-sealing property of water, talcum powder, paper clips, and making water wetter. (RT)

Described is a game designed to test children's knowledge about wildlife native to the United States. Included are directions, 30 question cards, and an answer key. Modifications of the game are suggested. (CW)

Described is an experiment designed to illustrate photosynthesis. The experiment is based on a classic experiment performed by vanHelmont in the sixteenth century. A list of materials, procedures, and concepts are discussed. Variations are suggested. (CW)