Gerard Leonard and Kathleen Allen describe a variety of nature experiences as a part of the Montessori elementary tradition, beginning with a warning about the way contemporary life constrains children's experience of nature. Through a lyrical rendering of the nature-based expressions of children, Leonard and Allen look at a variety of approaches…

Explains a study that assesses students' ideas about animals. Evaluates textbooks and trade books according to the identifications and words they use. Discusses student responses from different grade levels on the classification of animals and identifying what is an animal. Summarizes the results of the study and makes recommendations on the…

Designed to arouse interest in students about animals, this document was developed to provide teachers with a variety of information and teaching activities. The booklet is intended to enable students to become knowledgeable about science concepts relating to animals without the use of expensive equipment. The teaching activities deal with: (1)…

Alternative classifications commonly used by children aged 12, 14, and 15 are presented. Why children use such alternatives is discussed. Age- and gender-related trends in performance on classification tasks is examined. Children's attitudes to classification and their perceptions of its usefulness in school and everyday contexts are reviewed. (KR)

Discusses the use of games in the classroom. Describes two games involving the identification of Australian animals including complete instructions and rules for each game. (DS)

Describes the construction and use of a shell-discovery kit for students to employ in actively investigating the natural world. (WRM)

Described is a backyard activity that can be used to introduce children to the divisions of the plant and animal kingdoms in their local environment. Preparation, procedures and followup are discussed. Background information on taxonomy and two activity cards are provided. (CW)

Described is a classification activity that uses holiday greeting cards. Identification of animals, their characteristics, natural habitat, eating patterns, and geography are some of the suggested ways in which to classify the animals. (KR)

Based on the assumption that most students have a natural curiosity about the plant and animal life residing in the oceans, this document provides students in grades five through eight with activities in marine biology. The book provides illustrated information and learning activities dealing with: (1) diatoms; (2) the life cycle of the jellyfish;…

Discusses four problems facing gifted students in elementary science classrooms. Suggests development of teacher-made science packets to resolve these and other problems. A sample lesson on animal classification for grade three is provided. (JN)