With crosscutting concepts such as stability and change in the "Next Generation Science Standards," this article was written for those who have wondered how to teach these concepts in a way that is relevant to students. In this investigation, students ask the question, "Why is the pond dirty?" As students investigate the health…

For many children, summertime is free time. For parents, summer often means searching for structured learning opportunities for their children. For teachers, summer can mean heading back to school for professional development. The elementary science institute for teachers that the authors conduct includes a summer science camp for children. Last…

Children are naturally curious about the world in which they live. To focus this sense of wonder, have your students investigate their local habitat as it changes over the year. This multiseason study will build connections and add relevance to the habitats that children learn about. This series of activities for grades 4-6 explores the changing…

While learning about the types of weather events that occur in the local area, students in grades 4-6 were asked to consider how structures can be built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Teams of students designed, constructed, and tested buildings to withstand hurricanes and designed the tests they would use to evaluate their structures.…

This hands-on, minds-on zoo project provides a fun and safe opportunity for students to experience the world of animals and nature right in their own classroom. Students have the chance to work individually or in small groups to explore, observe, and discover answers to their questions about the natural world. In addition, it provides numerous…

Students get excited about science when they investigate real scientific problems in the classroom, especially when the investigation extends over several weeks. This article describes a health-science problem-based learning (PBL) investigation that a group of teachers and teacher educators devised together for a group of fourth- to sixth-grade…

Linear measurement is more than just learning how to use a ruler. In the early grades, measurement activities develop students' understanding of the properties of objects as well as what it means to measure objects. Hands-on activities can enable students to explore such measurable properties as height and length, and direct comparisons of various…

When a preschool teacher unexpectedly found tadpoles in the school's outdoor baby pool, she recognized an unusual opportunity for her students to study pond life up close. By following the tadpoles' development, students learned about frogs, life cycles, habitats. (Contains 1 resource.)

Explains different ways to use National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test items for classroom assessment. Presents examples from 4th grade questions. (SOE)

Describes a strategy to help students learn how to make detailed observations. Emphasizes making productive observations using complete, detailed, accurate statements or pictures. (SAH)

Describes a program investigating the history and technology of space exploration. Students work in space mission teams and assume the identities of the mission's astronauts. The unit includes a press conference simulation and integrates science, language arts, library skills, and cooperative group activities. (PVD)