Young children are naturally curious about their environment and learn best by exploring the world around them. Magnifiers, or hand lenses, are a valuable tool in this exploration. Discusses the selection, use, storage and costs of magnifiers. Includes suggestions of objects/phenomena to observe inside and outside of the classroom. (JN)

Discussed is the management of cooperative learning groups in an elementary school science classroom. Rules for classroom behavior and benefits that can be derived from using this method are suggested. (CW)

Promotes the Every Teacher a Researcher program of the National Science Teachers Association. Encourages teachers to become involved in three types of action research with regard to cooperative learning in science. These are replicating, refining, and extending. Includes program registration form for interested teachers. (TW)

Twelve strategies for planning and implementing successful field trips are presented. Preplanning, bad weather, safety, budget, travel, chaperones, facilities of destination, lesson planning, time constraints, snacking, and special guests are topics of discussion. (KR)

Various activities using magnifying glasses are suggested to help young children understand the concept "bigger" and the implication of change involved when viewing different objects under magnifying glasses. (SK)

Discusses six strategies for improving student attitudes toward science. It is suggested that teachers: project a credible image; take advantage of social/environmental influences; identify unique student needs; be aware of present student attitudes and skills; use discrepant events to teach science; and involve students in the process of…

Explains the rationale behind using educational games in the classroom and lists rules for effectively using games. Describes a versatile game called "practice pockets" and gives examples of how to use it to teach science, math, English, reading, and social studies. (DC)

Provides suggestions for preparing, maintaining, and using a beehive. Includes addresses of bee supply companies and blueprints for constructing a hive. (MA)

Describes activities for helping children develop skills in quantitative observations. (PR)

Describes how to organize "SMATH TECH--For Kids Only!" a two-day convention for elementary students focusing on science, mathematics, and technology. The convention costs about $4,000 for 300 students to attend. (PR)

Encourages the integration of science into other subject areas and into current events as a means to increase the emphasis upon science in the elementary school curriculum. (CP)

Presents an imaginative story to be used to introduce elementary school students to the different properties and uses of "Polyox." Various ideas for using "Polyox" in elementary science are given. (MDR)

Task groups (consisting of three-five students per group), for hands-on, inquiry-oriented activities can provide meaningful learning experiences, develop interpersonal skills, and save money in the classroom. Suggestions for using task groups are provided, describing a recommended instructional model, instructional strategies, and student roles in…

Described are eight science activities that may take place on a school playground using a parachute, balls, swings, slides, and a balance beam. Procedures and questions for each activity are included. (CW)

Describes having a pot-bellied pig in a classroom. Students learned how to care for the pig and train it. Describes other animals in the classroom and the class putting on shows for other students. (PR)