This article reports that as the need for students to be able to construct and critique scientific argumentation as emphasized in "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" (National Research Council 2012), teachers are wondering how to support students in this process. Scientific argumentation is defined as the interplay between…

Bulletin boards throughout schools in the month of January often have mittens, snowflakes, or penguins as decorations. This month's topic celebrates those tuxedo-clad birds that have come to symbolize winter and provides students with the opportunity to investigate adaptations that help penguins survive in their environment.

An oil spill occurs somewhere in the world almost every day of the year, and the consequences can be devastating. In this month's column, students explore the effects of oil spills on plants, animals, and the environment and investigate oil spill clean-up methods through a simulated oil spill. The activities described in this article give students…

Teachers who have Spanish-speaking students in their science class, will likely be interested in learning about the recent releases of Spanish trade books for children. From appealing paperback series about colors, opposites, shapes, and numbers to smooth Spanish renditions of Isaac Asimov's engaging overview of the universe, these books are just…

Animals have many adaptations that help them survive in their environment and meet their special needs of food and shelter. This month's column focuses on two such adaptations: camouflage and beaks.

The Moon's cycle of phases is one of the most familiar natural phenomena, yet also one of the most misunderstood. This probably comes as no surprise, but research has found that a significant segment of the population, including both elementary students and teachers, mistakenly believes that the Moon's phases are caused by the shadow of the Earth.…

Summarizes representative research relating to the critical role of attention in concept formation in science. Topics discussed include curing, manipulation of symbols, and directions for focusing attention on particular aspects of concepts. (Author/DS)

Reviews "Green Survival, It's Something You Do," an audiovisual program developed by the American Association of Nurserymen to develop students' awareness of the environmental benefits of green plants, and to encourage participation in individual/community landscape improvements. Also reviews the revised Addison-Wesley K-6 science program. (JN)

Reviewed are several attempts to assess the science skills of elementary school youngsters including the First International Science Study (1970); The Second IEA Science Study (1986); the British Assessment of Performance Unit (1985); and two National Assessment of Educational Progress studies (1972-73 and 1986). Study characteristics are noted,…

Reviews data suggesting that elementary school science may be disappearing. Discusses these points: decreasing amount of class time for science, decline in physical science knowledge, feelings that science and social studies create problems for teachers, amount of money spent, the increasing complexity of science, and student interest in science.…

Presents research data that demonstrates current disparities in science proficiency among subgroups defined by gender and race. Discusses differences in achievement, science experiences out of school, and academic support. Presents seven guidelines for structuring science activities that motivate and respond to the interests of all students. (19…

Tests and combinations of tests for evaluating science programs that are designed to incorporate content, process skills, and problem-solving skills are discussed. Described are the use of written and practical tests, observation and discussion, and projects and written work. (CW)

Discussed is the nature of the classroom experience in the United States for girls including teaching methods and assessment. A brief analysis of the problem is presented. Six specific suggestions for improving instruction for girls are included. (CW)

Reviewed are six software packages for Apple and/or IBM computers. Included are "Autograph,""The New Game Show,""Science Probe-Earth Science,""Pollution Patrol,""Investigating Plant Growth," and "AIDS: The Investigation." Discussed are the grade level, function, availability, cost, and hardware requirements of each. (CW)

Discusses the use of direct demonstration of the connections among the science process skills and the content areas of science. (MKR)