Surveillance cameras are prevalent in various public and private areas, and they can also be coupled to optical microscopes and telescopes with excellent results. They are relatively simple cameras without sophisticated technological features and are much less expensive and more accessible to many people. These features enable them to be used in…

This design-based research study considers the learner-generated design and refinement of a school garden. We report one enactment of the Connected Gardening project in order to illuminate and understand how a fourth-grade class organizes and refines its garden plot using observations of the physical environment and evaluations of data from a…

Powerful online visualizations can make unobservable scientific phenomena visible and improve student understanding. Instead, they often confuse or mislead students. To clarify the impact of molecular visualizations for middle school students we explored three design variations implemented in a Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) unit on…

This article presents an analysis of the longitudinal consequences of out-of-school science learning with a conceptual framework that connects the intentions of youth to their participation in science. The focus is on one girl's science activities in her home and hobby pursuits from fourth to seventh grade to create an empirical account of how…

Presents an overview of a long-term unit centering on observations of biological change. Explains the purpose, procedures, and activities of long-term projects as: watching a plot of land; seeing how a baby grows, and witnessing kitten birth and growth. Suggests additional activities which address the concept of continuity. (ML)

Two groups of fourth graders performed a science activity. The treatment group first watched a filmed explanation of the activity by selected students from the class; the control group did not watch the film. The treatment group generated significantly more positive behaviors and less negative behaviors in the activity. (MLH)

In a pilot study designed to determine whether fourth-grade students can acquire a set of behaviors related to performing certain laboratory activities, 22 students were randomly assigned to either a film-mediated modeling treatment or a control. Students in the treatment viewed a videotape model showing peer leaders engaging in the steps of an…

Provides suggestions for activities that focus on earthworms. Includes observational exercises on earthworms' reactions to light and touch. (ML)

Describes science activities used in an eighth grade class such as metric measurement exercises, classification problems, experiments with batteries and bulbs and a series of activities concerning chemical reactions. (BR)

The author's favorite way to start the new school year is to perform a science demo for students. At the beginning of the period, he discusses the importance of making accurate observations. He tells them that he will perform a short demonstration that they are to carefully watch and then record their observations. They each have a sheet of paper…

Describes some of the characteristics of the common harvestmen, or daddy longlegs, and the true spider. Provides information on harvestmen's habitats and life cycles and includes tips on housing and observing these organisms in science classrooms. (TW)

A learning activity is described in which the children become involved in dialogs with the Earth and its resources, and in turn the eye reads the surroundings and becomes more skilled at observation. (EB)

A possible use of toy gliders to introduce elementary school children to flight and to sharpen their skills of observation is given. (MR)

Discusses a book to encourage children to make more accurate observations and to gain further insight into the wonders of nature. Considered most successful when used with second to fourth graders. A selection of pages are described. (EB)

The value of involving children in experiencing environmental phenomena and observing living organisms is advocated. Suggestions are presented for offering a richer set of science experiences for children. (SA)