Describes research undertaken to determine if Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) can be instrumental in helping children either maintain or develop a positive self-concept. A total of 189 students in grades 3-6 were assigned to treatment and control groups for a period of four and one-half months. Findings did not reveal overall…

Suggests that the teaching of science and the philosophy of science are separate entities and should not be interconnected in elementary and secondary science instruction. Distinguishes between anecdotal and true science history stating that the former is more appropriate for most science classrooms. (CP)

The current popularity of house plants can provide the basis for numerous classroom activities. Students can make flower pots from tubs and cans, chart plant growth on a graph, make mint sherbert, or expand their vocabulary by learning plant descriptors. Details and more suggestions are included in this article. (MA)

This study investigates "wait times" in elementary science classes-the pauses between a teacher's question and a student's answer and between a student's answer and a teacher's response. Among the findings were indications that longer "wait times" promote increased student participation in problem solving, decision making, the structuring of the…

The results of research on the effects of a non-directive, hands-on approach to teaching science are presented. The research seems to show that students can learn and can function responsibly in an unstructured, hands-on classroom. (MDR)

Suggests uses of hand tools and machines in teaching preschool and elementary school students the definition of energy. (MDR)

The following materials are reviewed: a kit of task cards and posters called "Everyday Conservation;" a set of four curriculum guide booklets entitled "Environmental Education Interdependence;" a book in the UNESCO integrated science series; and an OBIS materials set. (MDR)

Advocates a multidisciplinary approach to marine studies in which the sciences act as the core and the humanities as supplementary curricula. (CP)

Describes an elementary school project of constructing and marketing toys for a profit. (SL)

This study attempted to develop a hierarchical scheme appropriate for theoretical science concepts and to empirically validate the scheme with a sample of sixth grade students. (Author/GO)

Describes school science activities in which students race model cars built from mousetraps, construct inventions using discarded junk, and compete in an egg dropping contest. (SL)

Describes a study which sought to identify development patterns related to the acquisition of proportional reasoning in two areas, namely electricity and chemical solutions. Results from children ages 9-11 indicated that development of understanding of chemical solutions was asymmetric whereas it was symmetrical with electricity. Includes sample…

Describes a chemistry program in which experiments are performed for students in grades one to three. The experiments use only materials and apparatus found in the average home so they can be reported by teachers or parents. Students become involved in the program by asking questions and making predictions. (JN)