Few teachers find themselves with the support to purchase all of the materials they ideally need to supply their classrooms. Buying one or two simple, ready-made items can put a serious strain on anyone's budget. However, materials for science in the classroom need not be prefabricated or expensive. By looking at the function and purpose of any…

The Experimental Reflection Portal, or "XRePort" is an online system that pairs students and teachers from different schools and allows them to "talk" about their common science investigations. In this way, students communicate their science knowledge "and" experience firsthand the benefits of the collaborative nature of science. The XRePort…

The books that appear in this annotated bibliography selected as Outstanding Science Trade Books were published in 2004. Information at the end of this list includes details about the list and the selection process, a listing of the selection panel members, more information about the Children's Book Council and NSTA, and information about…

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…

When it comes to selecting science trade books, there are plenty of lists and guides that identify good books; however, when it is time to create a unit or add to the classroom library, selecting appropriate books can still be a challenge. Recommended books may not be available in the school or local libraries, and budget constraints may prohibit…

When a commercial pilot steps into the cockpit of an airplane, it has been serviced by a host of personnel and will be supported by many more from takeoff to landing. In more and more places, when an elementary school teacher steps into inquiry-centered science instruction, his or her materials have been carefully prepared by a team of experts,…

Children love nonfiction books, and their reading of such texts has shown a strong relationship between science achievement and informational reading and writing abilities. How can elementary teachers capitalize on this natural affinity and make the most effective use of nonfiction trade books in their classroom? There are numerous strategies to…

Discusses the merits of science learning centers as a tool for teachers to encourage positive interaction among students of different backgrounds and ability levels. Describes the success of science centers through work with children and preservice teachers. (Author/KHR)

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 recently published children's books in Spanish that explain basic facts about animals; introduce students to ecology, the environment, popular inventions, and some of the world's most amazing structures; and entice the very young reader into nature. Titles are divided into the areas of biology, ecology, general science, earth and space…

Describes a science activity using gummy worms to help primary students develop the mathematical skills of measurement concepts, units of measure, estimation, and graphing needed for science learning. Groups of two begin by estimating the number of gummy worms in their package and identifying the colors they expect to find. Individual worms are…

Diagrams a quick, improvised cardboard circuitry for battery holder, bulb socket, and switches. Materials include corrugated cardboard, paper clips, and rubber bands. Assembly useful in determining the electrical conductivity of substances. (CS)

Encourages elementary school teachers to develop energy education materials; describing the initial phases of a National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) sponsored project in energy education. Two learning packets, The Energy We Use (grade 1) and Community Workers and the Energy They Use (grade 2), are described. Mailing list information…

A review of the materials included in the Self-Paced Investigations for Elementary Science (SPIES) program, developed by Silver Burdett Company, is provided. In summary SPIES strongly reflects the strategies and format of Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS). (SL)

Presents annotated bibliography of 101 children's science trade books mainly for grades K-6. Annotations include appropriate grade level of each book. (CS)