Will spring be early next year? This is a question the authors ponder each fall as they prepare for a yearlong citizen science project with kindergartners. Citizen science projects naturally promote the development of science and engineering practices. These projects can be integrated at any grade level and aligned to meet other content areas as…

Elementary science experiences help develop students' views of science and scientific interests. As a result, teachers have been charged with the task of inspiring, cultivating, recruiting, and training the scientists needed to create tomorrow's innovations and solve future problems (Business Roundtable 2005). Who will these future…

Imagine two fourth-grade classes. Both contain students of comparable demographics and highly respected teachers each with four to five years of experience. Both classes engage in science curricula that emphasize science and engineering practices as outlined in the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013). Both classes…

In this article the author describes the "Derby Design Day" project--a project that paired high school honors physics students with second-grade children for a design challenge and competition. The overall project goals were to discover whether collaboration in a design process would: (1) increase an interest in science; (2) enhance the…

In an integrated science/language arts/technology unit called "How Scientists Learn," students researched famous scientists from the past and cutting-edge modern-day scientists. Using biography trade books and the internet, students collected and recorded data on charts, summarized important information, and inferred meaning from text. Then they…

Describes the science advocate program in which a science advocate visits elementary classrooms with hands-on activities that make science exciting for students. Highlights advocate activities and benefits of the presence of the science advocate. (JRH)

Discusses the nature of curiosity in students and ways to stimulate it. Includes a checklist to help collect information about student curiosity levels and offers suggestions to develop a high degree of curiosity in students. Suggestions include using variety, novelty, change, and discrepant events. (Author/JN)

Explains a science project conducted by the Boston Museum of Science to provide enrichment activities through an interaction between children and scientists. Provides information on the packets of creative problem-solving experiences, a description of the program, the culminating event, and joining procedures. (RT)

Two kinds of summer science camp experiences for elementary children are described. The program is intended to provide elementary teachers and preservice teachers with a chance to practice their science teaching skills. The Day Camp (K-3) emphasizes the senses and the Overnight Camp program (4-6) emphasizes instruction in science. (SA)

Describes a lesson in which the life-cycle of an insect is studied. Provides information on the purchase and care of the animal and directions for student observations. Questions and activities are included. (RT)