The paper describes how preservice elementary teachers interpreted events in an elementary science teaching methods course that implemented innovative instructional strategies, exploring the benefits of student empowerment. Interviews, surveys, student journals, observation, and field notes provided data on syllabus negotiation, cooperative lesson…

Describes a successful partnership program between the Museum of Natural History and local schools that empowers young people from Glendale Intermediate School to learn science and natural history, then share what they learn with 60 children, ranging in age from 6-12 years, enrolled in Mountain View Elementary School's extended-day program. (JRH)

Discussion of new technological resources available for science instruction focuses on the use of the HyperCard software for the Macintosh to design customized materials. Topics addressed include general features of HyperCard, designing HyperCard stacks, graphics, and designing buttons (i.e., links for moving through the stacks). Several sample…

Described is a elementary science program whose goal is to motivate young people in science and promote the importance of scientific thinking and literacy. The importance of students taking math and science courses in elementary school and the need for involvement of engineers with schools is discussed. (KR)

Describes the use of videodisk technology to deliver instruction to preservice and in-service teachers for mastery of earth science concepts, and discusses its use as a research tool to improve teacher preparation in science education instructional methods for elementary schools. A science teaching model that underlies the research program is…

A model for a two-week summer science teaching workshop is presented. Included are the goals and objectives of the science/technology/society course, the history of the program, and some results for students using these methods. (CW)

Reports on the results of an eighth grade student's experiments, conducted with a moving car, concerning the aerodynamics of a baseball in flight. Describes the peculiar diving ability of the split-fingered fastball, as well as the dancing and weaving effect of the knuckleball. (JJK)

Provides six fully developed library media activities designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units in art, physical education, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, evaluation, and…

The article helps elementary teachers develop science programs geared to their students, emphasizing the appropriateness of hands-on activities and developmental learning. It presents three Earth Day water projects on rain and puddles, water drops and surface tension, and water purification that can be tailored for specific classes. (SM)

Article discusses the four elements of good elementary science programs and offers ideas for creative hands-on science and across-the-curriculum activities (e.g., a please touch science center, curriculum planning chart, and getting to know you water activity). It notes science-related events and describes four science reference books. (SM)

Presents activities for a springtime Space Day that can teach students about astronauts, gravity, and motion. Activities include creating a paper bag spacecraft to study liftoff and having students simulate gravity's effects by walking in various manners and recording pulse rates. A list of resources is included. (SM)

The article presents an interactive take-home activity "Test Your Nerves" on the nervous system that helps parents begin talking about health with their children. Suggestions for teachers on introducing the activities, follow-up class activities, and developing similar activities are included. (SM)

The article presents a step-by-step guide to choosing and using performance assessment to determine what students know and can do in science. Performance assessment allows teachers to measure what students know by watching what they do. An example of performance assessment in action is included. (SM)

Describes a study that examined the relationships between student perceptions of classroom interaction and the actual amount of time allocated for interaction in a distance education interactive television course for elementary school science teachers taught at the University of Hawaii. Correlations with levels of student satisfaction are also…

Parents can help ensure that their elementary school students' science programs meet their needs. The article discusses the characteristics of a good science program, explains how parents can advocate for a good science program, and looks at the role of the PTA in supporting quality science programs. (SM)