Provides suggestions for activities that focus on earthworms. Includes observational exercises on earthworms' reactions to light and touch. (ML)

In this activity, students look at different types of fabric and their respective individual properties. Using a magnifying glass and sandpaper, students test the weave and wear quality of sample fabrics. By comparing the qualities of different fabrics, they are able to better understand why there are so many different types of fabric and…

Provides instructional techniques, using samples from evergreen trees, to explain to school children the concept of adaptation. The techniques help children develop skills in observation, classification, communication, inferring, and predicting. A teacher's reproducible is included. (GLR)

Describes some of the characteristics of the common harvestmen, or daddy longlegs, and the true spider. Provides information on harvestmen's habitats and life cycles and includes tips on housing and observing these organisms in science classrooms. (TW)

This packet attempts to provide educationally sound alternatives to dissection in the classroom, thereby making it possible for teachers to eliminate dissection from the curriculum. This packet can also be used by educators who include dissection in their curricula but consider it important to respect the expression of students' ethical, moral, or…

Describes several hands-on science activities which focus on the use of apples. Suggests several ways of using apples to teach classification. Proposes a field trip to an orchard as a culminating activity. (TW)

Discusses the importance of recognizing patterns in nature to help understand the interactions of living and non-living things. Cautions the student not to lose sight of the details when studying the big picture. Encourages development of the ability to identify local species. Suggest two activities to strengthen observation skills and to help in…

Examines the definitions of scientific observation used in assessing students in Great Britain for the General Certificate in Secondary Education (GCSE). Proposes an instruction framework that supports such definitions. Provides examples of observational tasks and some methods of evaluating them. (TW)

This book offers alternative approaches for local hiking events, such as creating extensive science, math or art projects, in order to energize a group of children. Chapter 1, "Getting Started," provides details on planning a hike, including getting supports, managing materials, setting the tone, questioning techniques, basic ecological…

Suggests how simple hikes can be integrated into the elementary school curriculum. Presents nine topic areas that can serve as themes for schoolyard hikes. (ML)

Describes a lesson in which fifth graders made observations of candles. Discusses the progress of the lesson and the necessity of instructing students in what and how to watch and measure. Stresses that this can be easily accomplished inexpensively with imagination. (CW)

Provides some teaching tips for elementary teachers that are designed to enhance the natural interests of young children in science and help equip them with important science processing skills. Contains activities related to observation, classification, measurement, and communication. (TW)

Demonstrations that can be used to lead students to wonder and write about basic scientific principles are presented. Each demonstration includes the concept demonstrated, a list of materials, and procedures. Concepts include density and temperature of liquids, contracting matter with heat, atmospheric pressure, dramatic color changes, fireproof…

Science activities with soap bubbles for primary school children are described in this article. Another activity involves children in determining the whereabouts of sugar as it dissolves in water. (SA)

Describes the learning style inventory and learning cycle developed by David Kolb. Discusses the learning cycle's four stages as concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Offers an example from a chemical engineering class in which Kolb's ideas are used in an effort to improve instruction.…