Describes an activity that engages students in investigating materials by describing the properties of substances. Recipes for a very sticky substance and a substance similar to Silly Putty or Gak are included. Also contains ideas for further exploration. (DDR)

Describes the construction of an effective plant incubator for classroom use using a five-gallon plastic bucket. (JRH)

Describes ways to incorporate science into events that typically happen during the school year, including the school carnival, school assemblies, open house, book fair, sports events, newsletters, field trips, schoolyard cleanup, career days, and parent-teacher conferences. Presents tips to encourage parents to support an improved science program…

Describes the Parents' Science Lab where parent volunteers lead a homeroom of 25-30 students through a hands-on science activity. Reports that this program has given parents personal experience with activity-based science and mathematics and made them positive and enthusiastic advocates for the cause of good science education. (JRH)

Describes the Evening Science program, a science enrichment program for K-6 students and their parents where students and parents engage in problem-solving activities that encourage science learning for the whole family. (JRH)

Describes the SCI-FEST (Science Collaborative Initiative-Festival to Enhance Science and Technology) where community members worked together to put on a successful science festival for the whole family. Discusses the planning and implementation of the festival which included nearly 100 hands-on science activities, skits, puppet shows, and…

Presents anecdotes from prominent citizens including Bill Clinton, Alan Alda, Carl Sagan, Gerald Wheeler, JoAnne Vasquez, and Lynn Margulis in which they reminisce about interesting science experiences with their families. (JRH)

Describes the EQUALS Family Science Program, a national program designed to promote equity in mathematics, science, and technology, in which the goal is to make children and parents more scientifically literate by doing science investigations together. Presents activities that teachers can use to promote scientific literacy and cultural diversity.…

Describes the Super Science Sleep-Over, a slumber party held at an elementary school centered around a "Kaleidoscope of Science" theme. Discusses 10 steps to organize a science sleep-over including surveying interest, recruiting instructors, developing a schedule, registering students, assigning jobs, details, the program, designing an evaluation,…

Describes collaborative efforts where museums and community organizations encourage family involvement in science, including the Girls at the Center (GAC) and Community Connections programs. Discusses challenges, strengths of partnerships, outreach efforts, and museum-based events. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

Presents tips and suggestions for parents that can make a family nature walk more rewarding and help parents encourage their children to look closer at the natural world. (JRH)

Presents suggestions for parents who wish to continue their children's science education at home. (JRH)

Describes the Hands On Science Outreach (HOSO) program which aims to provide informal science experiences for preschool and elementary-age children. Discusses participants views of the program. (JRH)

Describes the construction of a simple launcher for plastic bottle rockets. (JRH)

Reports on a nationwide survey of elementary teachers about factors relating to the acquisition of science equipment and materials, including the amount of personal funds spent to enhance their science instruction. Reports that the average amount spent per teacher totaled $199 with the maximum amount being $2000 and a sizable group not spending…