Presents three science activities targeted to help urban students learn about nature: (1) observing coloration patterns of pigeons; (2) measuring local rainfall and comparing it to other areas; and (3) conducting a biodiversity study by observing a patch of lawn. (YDS)

Explains how the internet can be successfully used in science education by searching different web sites. Points out the dangers of the web such as accuracy of information, information overload, and availability of inappropriate materials. Recommends using web filters, instructing directions for internet searches, and using bookmarks. Uses…

Explains the process of teaching about force, inertia, gravity, and friction to kindergarten students using the Reggio Emilia Approach. Incorporates writing, reading, counting, building vocabulary, and developing science and social skills. Addresses the Science as Inquiry Content Standard A and Physical Science Content Standard B of the National…

Introduces Project WRITE (World Resources for Integrated Thematic Education). Features six science-based units that include "American Revolution: People and Technology", "A Look Inside Ourselves", "Westward Ho!", "Animals and Humans Living Together", "Environmental Awareness", and "1800s: The Fabulous Century!" Studies health issues, animal…

Discusses the categories of spatial thinking and explains methods for helping students develop spatial thinking skills, ask open-ended questions, and choose student-centered activities. Provides activity examples that involve spatial thinking for elementary grades. (YDS)

Introduces activities published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that can be used to explain the physical properties of a thunderstorm. Activities include cloud formation and the first step of thunderstorm development, cycle of a thunderstorm, the nature of lightning, ice in a thunderstorm, and tornado warning. Lists…

Explains the process of developing the unit "Building an Aquarium" and introduces four hands-on activities which include teaching students how to read a metric ruler, observing and illustrating an aquatic plant, learning fish anatomy, and learning animal behavior. (YDS)

Introduces two national studies designed for K-8 preservice and inservice teachers. The first study concerns students' views of science and scientists, while the second study examines students' ideas about animals. Points out the importance of having teachers conduct classroom research, which is a part of professional development. (YDS)

Teaches concepts such as inertia, gravity, and friction using a "Lunch Box Derby" activity. Uses vegetables for the construction of race cars. Explains student approaches during the design and construction portion. Describes the rubrics used for student evaluation. (YDS)

Presents activities on insects for second grade students. In the first activity, students build a butterfly garden. In the second activity, students observe stimuli reactions with mealworms in the larval stage. Describes the assessment process and discusses the effects of pollution on living things. (YDS)

Presents an interdisciplinary curriculum developed to be used in science, art, and music classes. Studies the connections between plants, animals, and the environment in the oceans, and compares the amount of land with the amount of ocean. Describes how to integrate the study of oceans into art and music. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Provides a chart comparing state and national objectives. Assesses student understanding of photosynthesis and explains the process of teaching students producer-consumer relationships. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Explains a study that assesses students' ideas about animals. Evaluates textbooks and trade books according to the identifications and words they use. Discusses student responses from different grade levels on the classification of animals and identifying what is an animal. Summarizes the results of the study and makes recommendations on the…

Presents activities for elementary and middle school students on the sun and the Earth-sun relationship. Studies the structure of the sun with activities that include Shadow Play, Reflective Solar Cooker, Equatorial Sundial, and Tracing Images. (YDS)

Focuses on issues related to safety, education, and entertainment in classroom demonstrations. Explains to preservice teachers how to conduct a demonstration to motivate students. Lists several elements that should be included for a successful demonstration which include purpose, planning, repeatability, simplicity, safety, visibility, and…