Illustrates the concept of phototropism and the development of root systems using a classroom-constructed clinostat. Provides instructions to construct the clinostat and tips to promote plant growth. (MDH)

Describes the New Mexico Rural Science Education Project, a school-university-museum cooperative effort that seeks to improve rural elementary science education through teacher workshops, teacher-developed materials on local themes, individualized support services, and natural history field schools for teachers and students. (SV)

Provided is a perspective on the teaching of a unit on the Earth in space. The themes to be found within the unit, approaches and resources that can be used for teaching and learning the subject, and some of the typical ideas that children hold about astronomical subjects are provided. (KR)

A training program that allows scientists and educators to experiment with new ways to improve student performance in science and mathematics is described. Scientists and educators are encouraged to work together to develop projects for in-service education and projects that can be worked on by students in the laboratory. (KR)

Investigated were determinants of teachers' behavioral intentions including attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Intent to perform the behavior appears to be under the control of most teachers, with little need for social support and with ample resources and sufficient opportunities available to perform…

Described is a project which was designed to take advantage of the use of a videocassette recorder to produce science lessons which could be viewed by children and their parents at home. Examples of several home lessons are provided. Feedback for the program is discussed. (CW)

In this two-year study with elementary teachers, using a supplemental science instructional resource, "Superscience," it was found that teachers' internal beliefs about what will benefit their students are linked to the external constraints of their students' interests and the expected curriculum. Teachers were not likely to use the…

Discusses how the Science Activity Filter can facilitate elementary school teachers' choices of appropriate science activities for their classrooms. The filter is a process for choosing activities that considers seven factors: (1) meaningful learning; (2) the amount of time required; (3) cost of materials; (4) safety; (5) level of difficulty; (6)…

Garlic is an ideal plant for the elementary classroom. It grows rapidly in water without aeration for several weeks and remains relatively free of microbial contamination. Simple experiments with garlic purchased at grocery stores can illustrate various aspects of plant growth. (PR)

Describes the construction of a variety of inexpensive, escape-proof, and safe insect homes--each complete with window, ventilation screen, and cover--so students can observe firsthand the intriguing world of insects. (PR)

Describes children's books, songs, and innovative activities for introducing students to paleontology and skeletal structures. (PR)

The books listed in this annotated bibliography were selected as outstanding children's trade books published in 1997. Titles are categorized as biography, environment and ecology, integrated science, life science, paleontology, physical science, and science-related careers. Each entry includes a descriptive annotation along with a code indicating…

Describes efforts to implement portfolio assessment within an elementary-science methods course. The methods course was designed to model pedagogical approaches students were expected to employ once they began teaching science in elementary schools. Relying upon examinations to evaluate students was inconsistent with the course philosophy and…

Compares the way preservice elementary teachers build knowledge and beliefs to the way learners build science knowledge. Describes a reconceptualization of an elementary science methods course consistent with this assumption about science teaching. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Describes a lesson on wildflowers for elementary school students that includes library media skills and science curriculum objectives. Cooperation between the library media specialist and the science teacher is discussed; resources are listed for elementary, secondary, and adult levels; and sample activities are suggested. (LRW)