Described are activities designed specifically for visually impaired students, demonstrating (1) meiosis, (2) mass, (3) enzyme-substrate reactions, (4) function and relationships of flowering parts. Employed are tactile and auditory learning aids, such as the tape recorder, electric eye, Braille typewriter, textured fabrics, and three-dimensional…

The books appearing in this bibliography were selected from books published in 1979, considered to be outstanding trade books for children. An annotation appears with each book and the appropriate grade level is given in parentheses. (Author/SA)

Describes an indoor-outdoor curriculum entitled Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Minicourses (IEEM). The program exposes junior high students to environmental issues through inquiry, field studies, guest speakers and debates. (Author/SA)

The use of the planetarium as a device for teaching elementary level deaf students is presented. The problems involving preparation of slides in English and in sign language are discussed. (SA)

Reviews a curriculum series entitled Examining Your Environment published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston of Canada, Ltd. Unit organizations, teacher's guides, activities, and materials are discussed. (SA)

Suggested are ways in which an elementary school teacher, through a take-home newsletter, may encourage parents to become involved in science learning through activities at home, out-of-doors, and on trips and science walks, through using picture books, and in selecting gifts. (CS)

Tests and rejects the hypothesis that mixed-ability grouping enhances pupils' science achievement. Significant differences were found when 11 and 12 year olds (N=160) were compared. Mixed-ability groups using individualized methods performed at a lower level than did homogeneous ability groups. Also reports findings regarding teacher and student…

Describes how to construct a game for elementary children who need to acquire skills in ordering or sequencing of items. Suggestions for its use in instruction are given. (SA)

Suggestions are presented for planning activities around the concept of endangered species. A sample of the classification system and a matching game are described. (SA)

This study, conducted by the University of Southern Mississippi in cooperation with the Hattiesburg public schools, investigated the impact of activity-centered science lessons (taught by prospective elementary school teachers) on the attitudes of upper elementary (grades 4-6) children toward science. (HM)

A critical incident approach was used to analyze the discourse which took place during a visit by a class of 8- and 9-year olds to a gallery concerned with food at the Science Museum in London. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation are discussed. Suggests that a critical incident approach may be more generally helpful in analyzing the…

Examined fifth-grade teachers' grouping practices for hands-on science instruction. Found that teachers tended to form heterogeneous groups in relation to the composition of their classrooms, whereas students tended to form homogeneous groups with respect to gender, ethnicity, and achievement. Some classroom compositions severely constrained…

Explores how collaboration among teachers from several schools and with university researchers facilitates attempts to change practices. Analysis indicates that collaboration facilitates change because it provides opportunities for teachers to learn new content and pedagogical knowledge, encourages them to be risk-takers in implementing new ideas,…

Argues that empowering parents is the first step toward improving females' achievement in science. Describes the Sisters in Science (SIS) program that aims to unite the role of parents with the other factors that promote female success in science. Discusses policy and practical implications that can be drawn from the work of the SIS program.…

Discusses curricular innovation, educational reform, and the advancement of information and communications technologies and describes a study in Hong Kong that explored knowledge construction using a computer mediated communication platform called Knowledge Forum. Explains how primary schools participated in building learning communities through…