A diagnostic study is presented of the prior experiences, conceptions, and pedagogical valuations of prospective primary teachers (PPTs) about experimental activities (ExA's) in science education. The participants were 121 PPTs who, in small teams, responded to various questions related to ExA. Their responses were analysed interpretively with…

As a science leader in her school, the author is always looking for new and interesting ways to inspire children in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) subjects. Attending several science conferences introduced her to new STEM programs, such as Street Science and fractals. In this article, she shares a couple of the activities…

This book provides fun experiments that teach known concepts about the human body. It is designed to teach facts, concepts, and problem-solving strategies. The scientific concepts presented can be applied to many similar situations, and the exercises and activities were selected for their ability to be explained in basic terms with little…

Experimental design of packaging materials to withstand the impact of gravity by 5th grade students. (EJS)

This book contains simple experiments through which students can learn about the properties of energy. These experiments include making a kitchen "volcano," a soda-pop "cannon," and a puffed-rice "scooter." Topics include: energy and work, fossil fuels, solar energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, mechanical energy, heat energy, sound energy,…

Twelve desk-top experiments and demonstrations which illustrate properties of and facts about gas are presented. Each experiment includes: purpose, materials needed, instructions, and a list of facts and properties that have been observed. Several of the activities also include questions for students and items for discussion. The topics of the…

Presents one way to use an organized approach to investigation in order to compare and contrast different paper towel brands for their absorption capabilities. Uses investigation procedures rather than formal experimentation procedures due to the nature of the investigation. (Author/MM)

This book contains simple experiments through which students explore air and its properties. Some of the topics discussed include alternative energy, bacteria, carbon dioxide, motion, weather, and flight. Experiments include: blowing a balloon up in a bottle; seeing air in water; making a lunch-bag kite, weather vanes, and paper glider;…

This book contains classroom experiments designed to promote group skills. Each lesson has 4 parts: a 3-minute set-up; 5-minute warm-up, 25-minute experiment, and 5-minute clean-up. During each part, each member of the group is responsible for performing a specific task. Included are 34 labs that cover a range of topics: observations, physical…

Describes open-ended experiments with seeds from the common garden radish (Raphanus sativus). The phases of the 5-E learning cycle--Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Extension, and Evaluation--guide this activity series. (Author/MM)

Learning about science needs to be active, collaborative, and connected to the everyday personal lives of children. This book is a collection of humorous conversations, pictures, and activities designed to help children understand how and why changes happen in the world. The focus is on personal experience and how models are developed, how one can…

This book contains simple experiments and projects through which students can learn about water and its properties. Some of the topics discussed include acid rain, dehydration, distillation, electrons, tidal waves, and the water cycle. Experiments include: finding out about the amount of water in the body; why there is water in the body; how to…

This book presents 65 simple, safe, and intriguing hands-on science activities. In doing these simple experiments, children can make a variety of discoveries that will surprise them. It includes many activities from discovering how people see color and what makes people's hair stand on end, to creating a tornado in a jar or a propeller-driven boat…

Language arts and science activities are combined in a program based on the adventures of an imaginary character. (DD)