Describes a simple form of chromatography that illustrates several concepts of chemistry and physics and requires only inexpensive and readily available materials. (PR)

Describes using Gooyuk--a substance made from corn starch and water--to create a wave tank with slow waves. Explains how to use the wave tank in instruction. (PR)

Forty students enrolled in elementary science methods courses were surveyed about their beliefs that lie behind decisions to not join professional science teachers organizations. Generates a first look at why one group of preservice elementary teachers was not interested in NSTA membership. (LZ)

Paper traces historical events in the development of primary science in Botswana. Before 1969, the word "science" in primary schools was nonexistent. The revised 1982 primary science curriculum coincided with the period of rapid industrial developments in Botswana and was intended to prepare the nation for industrialization and to raise…

Explains a problem-solving format developed by a school media specialist and first grade teacher that used the framework of Eisenberg and Berkowitz's "Big Six Skills" for library media programs. The application of the format to a science unit on the senses is described. (two references) (MES)

Describes project that tried to access "hard-to-reach" rural K-8 teachers for inservice science education. Program involved teachers teaching teachers and training sessions for principals. Authors conclude from a pretest/posttest that project helped teachers develop increased confidence in their teaching, yet did not significantly impact…

From observations of four Canadian elementary schoolteachers, this article describes teacher practice and teacher knowledge within the context of science education. Four assertions emerged from the study what teachers do depends of their biography and experience; teachers search for comfortable patterns of practice; teacher knowledge develops…

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

Describes a five-day summer workshop for rural elementary teachers to improve hands-on science instruction. Participants showed significant gains in science knowledge and science teaching confidence but showed no significant improvement in science teaching attitudes. Follow-up visits to schools revealed high usage of the activities and a positive…

Presented are the results of a survey of a sample of the readers of the journal, "Science and Children." The characteristics of the group including demographics, teaching strategies employed by, financial support of, interests of, and satisfaction with the journal of this sample of readers are discussed. (CW)

The construction and stocking of an in-class pond is discussed. Suggestions for eight activities using the pond are provided. A list of 15 references is included. (CW)

An investigation designed to test the effectiveness of a computer program is described. The purpose was to determine whether the use of a simulation referred to as "The Factory" leads to higher scores on a standardized test of problem-solving ability. The procedures, results, and implications for science teaching are included. (KR)

Discusses elementary students' preconceptions in science education, describing a research group for chemistry and integrated science education at the University of Pisa, Italy. The article indicates a need for inservice teacher training, proposing a teaching model for teacher educators which addresses student preconceptions and introduction of…

Presents suggestions for teaching children the science of physical fitness along with cross-curricular activities that help them stay in shape. Activities include making a fitness log to keep track of newly learned daily exercises, teaching about the Appalachian Trail then calculating and walking the equivalent distance, and charting family…

Activities that highlight the unknown and the fact that successful science is produced as much by contradictions as by confirmations are described. The activities are intended to help students begin expressing and channeling their individual curiosity. The topics include ecosystems and energy. (KR)