Presents an annotated bibliography of children's science books that were selected as outstanding publications of 1985. Indicates each book's appropriate grade level and International Standard Book Number. Also discusses the criteria employed in the selection process. (ML)

Investigated classroom management practices in 26 classes taught by 13 junior high and middle/junior high school teachers using student-on-task, off-task, and disruptive student behaviors as primary criteria of management effectiveness. Effective management practices for general classroom procedures, laboratory procedures, managing student…

Discusses several points that teachers should consider when planning to keep animals in the classroom. Selecting and obtaining the animals, safety and legal considerations, food and feeding, water, housing, day-to-day care, and what to do with animals when a project or school year is over are among the areas examined. (JN)

Describes an energy conservation game designed to familiarize students with the power consumption of common electrical appliances and to encourage them to become wise consumers of electrical energy. The game, which also sharpens addition and subtraction skills, is suitable for students in grades two through eight. (JN)

Explains plausible strategies for introducing biotechnology into a science curricula through a microbiology course. Teaching strategies for large mixed-ability groups are presented. Concept maps, games, activities and materials references are included. (ML)

Compared effects of cooperative learning activities (with and without structured controversy) and individualistic learning activities on the achievement and attitudes of fifth graders (N=84) toward wolves. Results show that cooperative-controversy resulted in the highest achievement, greatest motivation to learn about wolves, and more positive…

Discusses National Science Teachers Association plans to set up regional science teacher certification committees. Also discusses trends in science requirements and resultant certification needs and provides a rationale for science teacher control of science teaching standards. (DH)

A four-day field trip to Okefenokee swamp was a learning experience filled with variety for sixth grade students from North Carolina. Academic preparation, site activities (camping, observing, exploring, wading, and canoeing), and resource materials (for interested groups throughout the United States) are discussed. (DH)

Teaching environmental education (EE) in schools has declined (due mainly to its focus on values). Most teachers are reluctant to handle controversial issues and have returned to memorization (easily measured) in science classes where most EE is taught. Nuturing concern for nature will depend on conservation organizations and nature centers. (DH)

Discusses the potential impact of the National Science Teachers Association's (NSTA) certification standards on the future of science teacher education. Delineates NSTA's involvement with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and its role in the accreditation process. Outlines procedures of the review process. (ML)

Proposes that science curriculum include the history of science and case studies of science-technology-society issues. Recommends approaches that highlight the role of the imagination and the impact of value judgments. Also advocates examination of issues which focus on the strengths and limitations of the processes of science and technology. (ML)

Provides descriptions of indoor and outdoor activities that can be used in teaching a unit on birds. Suggests techniques that can be helpful in bird identification. Includes a reference list of audiovisual materials, books, and field guides on birds. (ML)

Presents background information on seals, legislation designed to protect them, activities related to seals and the fourth International Day of the Seal, and suggestions for field trips. Includes list of materials available from the Seal Rescue Fund with current costs. (JM)

Provided are synopses of selected presentations and discussions that evaluated and provided an understanding of the role of empathy in human behavior toward animals. Factors hampering such empathy, origin of empathy and altruism, and childrens' attitudes toward and knowledge of animals were among the areas explored. (BC)

Discusses how school grounds can be used as a resource to relate textbook concepts to everyday life and to understand interrelationships which exist in the outdoors. Possible school ground learnings considered include topics related to weather and weather prediction; changes (aging, growth, decay); geology; temperature; water; and recycling. (BC)