In this play, aliens from a distant galaxy visit an Earth site in three time periods, observing people as they deal with the environment. The aliens bring their wisdom and vision of the future to show children of the present what to do to avoid a grim fate. The lessons are suitable for grades 3-6, and include from 18-32 speaking parts plus cues…

This report is a policy statement for science curriculum and instruction in elementary schools. It describes a set of organizing principles that incorporate what science ought to be taught, and a learning sequence that illustrates how more "hand-on, minds-on" science can become more prevalent in our schools. Chapters included are: (1)…

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is concerned with creating experiences in which children face the mysteries and wonders of the natural world and understand their connection with nature. The purpose of the forum was to support the growth of these experiences and the people who create them. The forum covered three broad topics: (1) visions for the…

This report presents descriptive and correlational results from questionnaires administered to parents and tests administered to two groups equalling approximately 650 children from kindergarten, first, and second grade. The primary question addressed is, what is the relationship between what parents report that they do with their children in…

If elementary science education is to be improved, elementary teachers must be willing to devote more time and energy to the curriculum. Increased self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs were predicted antecedents to the behavior change. This study was designed to provide a valid and reliable measure of the teacher self-efficacy of preservice…

This paper discusses the physical principles behind the flying ability of both kites and airplanes. This background material was developed for a program in which a Japanese kite maker conducts kite making and flying classes in the Japan School District Elementary Schools of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), Pacific Region. The…

The purpose of this community study unit is to help fifth grade students understand the pathways energy takes as it flows through several communities. Each of these communities are examined as working systems. The energy pathways are similar, but slightly different as the energy flows through the members of each community. The unit involves many…

Up to 33 million species share the earth; no one knows the exact number for sure. All over the world, many species are becoming extinct. This workbook is designed to help children become more aware of the concept of extinction, and to develop personal strategies for helping with the problem of endangered species. Included are 31 activities…

This annotated bibliography lists books, books in series, books for teacher use, reference books, supplementary texts, filmstrips, study prints, videocassettes, and videocassettes in series. The materials listed may be used for enrichment, leisure, and other purposes by as many students in as many grades as feasible. Such use will ensure that…

Twelve activities are presented that focus on a common phenomenon of a child's world: energy. These activities relate energy, how it occurs, how it is used, and how to use it safely. Each activity includes the purpose, introduction, background, procedure, materials, estimated time for the activity, typical results, safety notes, and more ideas.…

Many recognize the need for an adequate environmental education in the United States. The National Environmental Education Act of 1990 was designed to give federal support to the establishment of an Office of Environmental Education and other support for environmental education. This hearing includes testimony from John H. Chafee, U.S. Senator…

Twenty-eight outstanding elementary/middle school teachers of science were selected to participate in an honors program being conducted over a three-year period (1985-87) on the campus of Illinois State University. The project, based on the belief that the teacher is the key to addressing the present crisis in science education, was funded by the…

This second grade teaching unit centers on endangered animal species around the world. Questions addressed are: What is an endangered species? Why do animals become extinct? How do I feel about the problem? and What can I do? Students study the definition of endangered species and investigate whether it is a natural process. They explore topics…

Cognitive psychologists have recently alluded to the role analogies might play in learning unfamiliar topics. However, since the use of analogies in science teaching has not been adequately addressed, analogies mean different things to different people. Therefore, a model for the teaching of scientific analogies is proposed. A theoretical…

This guide provides information on preparing students in grades 4-10 for field trips and describes possible field trip sites in the northeastern, mid-eastern, and southeastern regions of North Carolina. Selected sites in the northeastern region (from Roanoke Island to Ocracoke) include the Dare Coastline and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.…