Provides brief descriptions of the objectives, content, and curriculum materials of 14 science course improvement projects currently in use in elementary and secondary schools. An analysis of the trends in science education is included. (LC)

Described are activities which utilize marine science subjects. These include: assemblage, bas-relief, batik, collage, mobile, montage, paper-mache, and play-dough activities. Includes a list of general suggestions for teachers using aquatic art activities in the classroom. (JN)

Describes construction and use of pivots for science equipment and a pin-hole camera (made out of newspaper) for observing solar eclipses. Also describes a method for displaying spectra with a raybox and modification/use of a one-shot submarine (used in floating/sinking activities). (JN)

Teachers who follow this monthly schedule for starting and cultivating plants in their classrooms can look forward to blooms and greenery throughout the year. Advice on choosing plants, making cuttings, forcing bulbs, rooting sweet potatoes and pineapples, and holding a Mother's Day plant sale is included. (PP)

Describes a series of exercises designed to develop student's perceptual skills and to improve the processes of comparing, describing, and developing subsets. Includes suggestions for adapting the exercises into science lessons, providing tips for developing each into complete units. Units include human-made objects, leaves, shells, rocks, and…

A teaching unit that helps fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students learn about human and animal skeletal systems is described. The unit focuses on bone characteristics and develops basic science skills, such as observation, data collection, and making and testing hypotheses. (PP)

Highlights a 1982 follow-up study to the 1977 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Third Assessment of Science. Results indicate that a majority of elementary school students had positive attitudes toward science and those who teach this subject. (JN)

A test for measuring attitudes toward animal life (Fireman Test) was developed. The test was determined to be reliable, valid, free from social-response biases, easy to administer and score, and potentially useful in ascertaining whether changes in attitudes have occurred as a result of some planned intervention. (Author/JN)

Provides instructional strategies for using fall fruits/vegetables in science lessons, including activities related to melons, pumpkins, grapes, pears, squash, and yams. Suggests extending the activities over a month or more to allow children time to explore and investigate. (JN)

An experiment involving the generation of carbon dioxide gas is used to foster science process skills of observing, recording, and predicting. Student activities related to the experiment are described. (Author/JN)

National Science Teachers Association has cited 50 science education programs as national exemplars in the 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education. Programs are listed under these headings: elementary science, biology, physical science, science/technology/society, and inquiry. (Author/JN)

Lessons on conservation/recycling taught in upper elementary/middle schools often feature a paper recycling activity in which students make new paper from old. Methods to accomplish this are outlined. In addition, the use of the recycled paper for art projects is discussed. (Author/JN)

Discusses indoor rocketry and use of a vivid model of human birth. Also discusses information (momentum/force) indicating how a motorcycle can be driven up around the increasing slope of an elliptical path, a food testing worksheet, and a worksheet on light for upper elementary/lower middle school students. Includes sample worksheets. (Author/JN)

Details the Fairfax County, Virginia elementary science program, a key feature of which is the use of self-contained kits and instructional materials. Shows how the curriculum has improved students' achievement tests scores and is beginning to be adapted for mathematics, computer, and music education. (SK)

Discusses the background and thinking of John Dewey, focusing on Dewey's ideas about science teaching, including inquiry, education involving progressive organization of knowledge by experience, and citizenship education. Indicates that today's science teaching is often inadequate and inappropriate, not focusing on inquiry and neglecting…