Describes a project in which students selected seeds from two heirloom varieties of tomatoes, sowed the seeds, harvested the tomatoes, and fermented the seeds. Details are provided for each step of the project and the school address is included so that other students can begin similar projects. (DDR)

Makes the case for the kitchen as a natural source of science exploration. Shares tried and tested activities and offers teaching suggestions such as the use of journals. Relates activities to the National Science Education Standards. (MM)

Introduces camping as an outdoor classroom activity for elementary and middle school students. Explains what students learn from the camping experience. (YDS)

By imagining they are 24th-century archaeologists excavating a 20th-century house, students learn how to make and practice writing specific, precise, and detailed observations. Other science process skills focused on include measuring, making inferences, and communicating the data both orally and in writing. (AIM)

Cites research to support the idea that field trips are more successful for students if they receive a process skills orientation as opposed to a cognitive orientation to the field trip experience. Provides details on planning and preparation for a trip to the zoo. (DDR)

Suggested are activities about whales for children in schools not near the ocean. Activities designed to pique students' interest in whales and to investigate the size, breathing, buoyancy, and feeding strategies of whales are discussed. (CW)

Relates how a classroom can support and house a mini-museum of natural science. Describes the various types of exhibits and the range of activities that can be developed from them. Explains student involvement in exhibit design and use. (ML)

Describes a camping experience and its activities created for girls entering 6th grade who wanted to learn science and explore science-related fields. Indicates that the camping experience for girls promoted positive attitudes toward science learning. (KHR)

Integrates guided reading into the science curriculum to promote inquiry-based, hands-on learning. Describes the components and instructional strategies for a guided-reading lesson model and presents example activities. (YDS)

Describes an approach that motivates preservice teachers to become involved in the scientific experience. The approach involves a science demonstration or activity that is done both in and out of class in which students report observations using a Vee diagram. Includes assessment procedures. (DDR)

Presents estimation as a tool for learning observation and measurement relationships for the metric system. Activities include constructing a meter tape and using mystery boxes to practice volume estimation and measurement. (AIM)

Explains the principles of the Language Experience Approach (LEA) and discusses its application to science lessons. Provides a five-day plan for extending an LEA activity. Illustrates the LEA approach with a lesson involving a turtle. (ML)

Describes a 3-day program sponsored by the Orange County Marine Institute that provides biological, cultural, and historical learning experiences. Discusses the setting and activities of the five ecosystems explored by the students. The Chaparral to Ocean Science Camp includes chaparral, riparian, woodland, intertidal, and pelagic environments.…

Two teaching aids, on space flight and on natural selection and evolution of beaks in birds, are described. A simulated space instrument plaen was made and a space launch and other functions carried out. A simple experiment with match sticks was used to teach natural selection. (PS)