Summarizes the results of a summary of elementary teachers' science education research interests. Identifies hands-on experience, science content of the curriculum, and cognitive development and learning styles as the greatest items of interest. Provides data and an analysis of the least preferred topics and invites teacher participation in…

Suggests activities designed to introduce elementary school students to the idea of inherited traits. Discusses dominant and recessive genes, genotypes and phenotypes, and such traits as attached earlobes, tongue-rolling, and widow's peak. (DH)

Outlines steps for casting insects in permanent molds prepared from commercially available liquid plastic. Also describes dry mountings in glass, acrylic, and petri dishes. The rationale for specimen use, hints for producing quality results, purchasing information, and safety precautions are considered. (DH)

Illustrates a method by which individual students or small groups can make a compact, self-sufficient system supplying all the growth needs for bean sprouts. Outlines several activities that can be completed while the bean sprouts are growing. (DH)

Describes appearance, longevity, and changes in each step of the mealworm life cycle. Guidelines for starting a classroom colony are given with housing and care instructions. Suggested observations, activities, and questions for students are included. (DH)

Discusses the development and implementation of the Standards of Learning (SOL)-Science, a publication which contains content concepts for K-12 science programs in Virginia. Examples of indicators for a criterion and suggestions for gathering evaluative data are given. (DH)

Compares eight states on their inservice teacher training programs, changes in the science curricula (including instruction requirements, skill lists, and/or syllabi development), curriculum evaluation, budget-program/personnel commitments, and resources for assistance. These states include Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Oregon,…

Provides guidelines for simple acceleration experiments with string and attached weights as a means to stimulate the reticular activating system (RAS) of the human brain. Several methods (discrepant events, curiosity, choices, and doubt) are suggested for promoting RAS high-level thought. String drop experiments provide concrete experiences with…

Summarizes changes in student achievement and behavior (cross-racial selections) due to the adoption of an activity-based elementary education program (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Classroom Laboratories and Elementary Science Study units) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Emphasis of hands-on experience in mixed-race groups was effective in student…

Presents answers to 11 basic questions for teachers involved in science fairs. Selection of topics, judging criteria, parental cooperation, project safety, state/national competitions, and other topics are addressed. Each answer includes references to other related literature. (DH)

For the sake of grade school entrants in particular, nonexperimental science fair projects should be encouraged and accepted for science fairs. Support for this approach is given along with several suggestions for projects. Guidelines for judging nonexperimental projects are also included. (DH)

Success of the Murch Elementary School (Washington, DC) science fair is due to many factors which are applicable to other schools. Suggestions, ideas, and hints are given in this description of the school's program. Projects with an electrocardiogram, water weeds, and preserving ice are also discussed. (DH)

Using many different media, students can turn leaves into images which can be used for study, bulletin boards, collections, and identification. The simple techniques described include pastel printing, smoke prints, ink or tempura printing, bleach printing on t-shirts, ditto machine printing using carbon paper, and making cutouts. (DH)

Samara (winged seeds from maple and ash trees) can be used for open-ended inquiry or a series of directed science activities. Attributes, observations/inferences, drawing, motion, floating, seed structure, creative design, and measurement are some of the suggestions for classroom use of these seeds. (DH)

Tree frogs are small (2-5 cm) animals which not only interest students but also can be maintained in classrooms for a few days. Characteristics (species, ranges, habitat, reproductive cycle, and locomotion) and housing/care needs are described. Long-term maintenance is not recommended due to the difficulty of providing live food. (DH)