Examines teachers' differing uses of student-gathered data during science investigations. The results show that student language use and concept understanding differed between two different instructional approaches. Suggestions are provided for using student-gathered data in teaching elementary school science. (LZ)

Reports on program effectiveness for the Teacher Internship Program for Science (TIPS), a museum-school partnership. Survey results show that significantly more TIPS teachers involved their students in various science instruction activities, and TIPS teachers rated their students higher in interest in and understanding of science. (LZ)

Developmental assumptions that are frequently regarded as constraints on elementary school science curricula are analyzed. The argument that elementary school children cannot function as experimentalists because they have not yet attained formal operational thought is not supported by the Piagetian or non-Piagetian research reviewed. (SLD)

Explores negotiation as a method for overcoming dilemmas discovered in an elementary science methods course designed to promote student independence and reflective thinking regarding science teaching and learning. Focuses on the decision making that emerged from the tension between traditional views and the views considered empowering. (LZ)

Examines the importance of learning environments as sites for change in science education, describing work with elementary teachers in which researchers are designing learning environments featuring guided inquiry. After explaining how to plan and enact guided inquiry instruction in science, the paper reflects on experiences implementing it in…

Integrating children's weather-related family folklore with scientific investigation can be an effective way to involve elementary and middle level students in lessons spanning the disciplines of science, geography, history, anthropology, and language arts. Describes weather folklore studies and examples of weather investigations performed with…

Discussion of science education reform focuses on elementary school science. Highlights include integrating science instruction with other curricular areas; children's trade books; and an annotated bibliography of 36 items that suggest teaching strategies for integrating science and language arts curricula using children's literature and trade…

Several elementary teachers share across-the-curriculum ideas for the classroom. The article presents suggestions for completing Columbus Day book projects, Columbus commemorative displays, planet activities, archaeology projects, letter writing activities, student-generated profiles, number challenges, book reviews, and critical thinking…

Describes the use of expert systems in elementary school classes that focused on developing thinking skills and independent learning. Expert systems as tools, tutors, and tutees are discussed; differences in learning styles are considered; problem-solving skills are addressed; and uses of expert systems in science and social studies are described.…

Described is an interpretive tour of an ecology exhibit that was integrated with lessons designed to improve Hispanic students ability to observe and make inferences. The study methods and results are presented. (CW)

Discusses how reading children's literature aloud can be used to complement science text information. Lists and annotates intermediate books which contain themes that can be correlated with science concepts. (PRA)

The questions of how science should be taught and why science education is failing are addressed in this article. The science/technology/society (STS) perspective and the importance of students becoming scientifically literate are emphasized. The essential elements of a high quality science curriculum are listed. (KR)

Clarifies the idea of prediction in science teaching by distinguishing between the two extremes of guessing and making logical deductions. Discusses the use of predictions in testing teachers' and students' explanations. (MDH)

Hands-on activities that use water, candles, powders found in the kitchen, and bubbles to provide a lesson on chemical change are presented. Directions for conducting the activities and a list of needed supplies are provided. (KR)

Provides six fully developed library media activities to be used in conjunction with specific curriculum units in art, music and physical education, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Grade levels, objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activities and procedures for completion, evaluation, and followup…