Discusses the problems, concerns, and conditions encountered by elementary teachers of science. Supports the need for science specialists in elementary schools. Defines the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of a specialist. (ML)

Describes how a science challenge program was modeled after the Olympics to offer a variety of science events in a competitive setting. Reviews organizational factors, suggests sources for events, and identifies rules and scoring procedures. (ML)

Provides specific directions and guidelines for the computer program "YOU Program ME." Explains how this introductory hands-on activity can teach the concept of programming and can introduce the BASIC language. Background information and student activity sheets are included. (ML)

Describes a program known as "Explorations" within the Camp Lejeune Dependents' Schools (North Carolina) which is based on bringing the outside world to the student. Discusses the activities developed around the theme "Oceans: Harvest of the Sea." (TW)

Presents several teaching suggestions associated with the raising of monarch butterflies in classrooms. Emphasizes how this endeavor can be used to enhance the use of science process skills. (TW)

Provides library media activities in art, reading/language arts, science, and social studies on the following specific topics: (1) creating with paper; (2) faces of Santa; (3) insect homes and environments; and (4) life in the Middle Ages. Objectives, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are outlined for each…

Describes some of the characteristics of the common harvestmen, or daddy longlegs, and the true spider. Provides information on harvestmen's habitats and life cycles and includes tips on housing and observing these organisms in science classrooms. (TW)

Describes a learning center game which is designed to help elementary school students learn about wolves. Includes playing instructions, game board, and questions and answers. Also included is a record of wolf calls narrated by actor Robert Redford. (TW)

Contains suggestions for students regarding making up nicknames for animals based on their observations. Also includes information about the overpopulation of pets and urges students to write letters to their newspaper editors about this problem. A sample letter is provided. (TW)

Contains two motivational tools, a Kind Award and a Pass-It-On poem, which are designed to encourage children to be kind to animals. Includes examples on how to use the tools, and reproducible masters to be used in both instances. (TW)

Describes some ways that poetry can be used to present information about animals, enhance appreciation for animal habits and roles, and promote empathy for animals. Gives examples of and work sheets for the development of limericks, cinquain, haiku, and free verse. (TW)

To determine the effect of background music on on-task-performance (OTP), 26 fifth grade science students were observed for 42 class sessions over a four-month period. Time-series analyses indicated a significant increase in OTP for male subjects and for the total class. (Author/CB)

Provides background information on poison ivy and offers suggestions for instructional activities. Includes illustrations of the varieties of poison ivy leaf forms and poison ivy look-alikes. Highlights interesting facts and cases associated with poison ivy and its relatives. (ML)

Presents baseline data about the existing state of elementary school teachers knowledge of physical science. A teacher questionnaire and physical science test were administered to participants (N=333) of a physical science inservice training program in Arizona. Results revealed inadequacies in teachers' knowledge of physical science and the…

Reports results of an investigation of science content of 10 recently published elementary science textbook series. Results show that though textbooks cover a wide range of science content, they do not promote or encourage the development of scientific thinking or attitudes, nor do they engage students in applying cognitive processes that are…