Presented in this article is a set of guidelines to follow in the selection of a science textbook. Instructions on how to examine textbooks are given. Topics considered are types of experiments, appropriateness of content, definition of concepts, meaningful activities, sequence, reading level, eye appeal, and safety. (SA)

Evaluation criteria for selecting an elementary school science program are given. The administrator's and teacher's roles are discussed. An evaluation instrument which provides a systematic approach to comparing science materials is given. (SA)

Presented is a variety of tips for parents and teachers for exploring the outdoors with children. Activities are grouped according to appropriateness to the four seasons. Ideas presented relate to role playing, games, group problems, values, pollution, arts and crafts, science, record keeping, music, and classroom nature. (SA)

Described in this article is an energy conservation simulation game in which students participate in a space mission to Mars. Activities such as decision making, valuing, and problem solving occur during the game. (SA)

An activity in which children can learn the concept of the sizes of planets in comparison to the size of the earth is described. Activity questions are included. (SA)

Activities used to teach optics to fifth and sixth graders are presented. Moon phases and solar and lunar eclipses are included. (SA)

Suggestions are presented for planning activities around the concept of endangered species. A sample of the classification system and a matching game are described. (SA)

A puppet show depicting a gathering of the planets in the earth's solar system is described. Dialogue as well as a description of the method of constructing the planet puppets is included. (SA)

Activities which can be used to integrate the teaching of reading with science instruction are presented. These activities are designed to develop encoding and short-term memory skills. (Author/SA)

Seven steps are given for identifying a rock or a mineral. (SA)

In this review of science curriculum materials marketed commercially, the game of "Extinction" and "Sensing the Sea" curriculum guides in marine education are described. (SA)

Activities are suggested for children following a neighborhood walk in search of autumn's nature collectibles. Simple and complex studies are suggested. (Author/SA)

An elementary science teacher's technique for stimulating children to think visually, is presented. Through the medium of magic, children are given opportunities to form mental images to explain certain phenomena in science class. (SA)

Through the use of science-reading kits, one teacher develops practical application of children's reading skills. Each child designs and builds appropriate materials for science learning kit on the subject of his/her choice. (SA)

Dispels several myths about handicapped students and their participation in science learning laboratories. (SA)