A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by JDRP for elementary teachers and students, grades 1-5.

Description Hands-On Elementary Science provides elementary students with instruction that emphasizes the development of science processes as an approach to problem solving. In fostering positive teacher attitudes toward teaching science, it increased both the amount of science taught and the proportion of instruction dedicated to the processes of science. The curriculum employs a set of higher order processes at each grade level consisting of four basic units. The units consist of lessons concerning a unifying topic. The topic is based upon the skills identified for that grade level. First grade students work primarily on observation in the four units of seeds, patterns, magnets, and liquids. Second grade emphasizes classification skills through the study of insects, sink or float, measurement, and weather. In the third grade, experimentation skills are developed by units on flight, measuring, plants and structures. Fourth grade focuses on analysis in units on bio-communities, electricity, chemistry, and energy transfer. The fifth grade curriculum emphasizes application and consists of units on earth science, soil analysis, animals, and ecosystems. Since this is not a text program, all lessons are based upon hands-on activities supported and defined by curriculum guides at each grade level. They provide a sequence of basic lessons and incorporate all necessary materials to support the program lessons. A unique feature of the program is an optional package of materials students may request to work on over the summer.

Evidence of Effectiveness (1) Students who have received at least one year of HOES scored significantly higher than students receiving a standard textbook curriculum on a performance based assessment. (2) Students and teachers who have used the HOES program for one year made significant gains on surveys which measured attitude and motivation toward science.

Requirements Hands-On Elementary Science program is transportable to other sites where a commitment exists for hands-on science instruction. Teacher preparation consists of two days training prior to initiating the program followed by follow-up workshops which enhance implementation. Materials required include both a curriculum guide and a kit of materials of the appropriate grade level for each teacher.

Costs The cost of the program in the installation year is approximately $17.50 per student (assuming 25 students per class in a school of 800 students and training 20 teachers). Subsequent years' costs to maintain the program through the replacement of consumable supplies equals $1.50 per student. Teacher guides are available for $37.50 each plus postage and handling, and kits are available from a national vendor at costs ranging from $465 to $615 depending upon the grade level.

Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. Visitors are welcome by appointment at the program site and additional sites in their home state. Program staff are available to attend out-of-state awareness meetings (costs to be negotiated). Training is available at the program site and also at the adopter site (costs to be negotiated). Implementation and follow-up services are available to adopters (costs to be negotiated). Supplementary materials include the following: Spanish curriculum guides, Special Education Adapted curriculum; set of Summer Supplements; and a Trade Books Bibliography.

Contact

Helen G. Herlocker, Dissemination Center for Hands-On Elementary Science, Carroll County Public Schools, P.O. Box 661, Hampstead, MD 21074. (410) 374-1358, FAX (410) 239-4373.

Developmental Funding: Federal, state, and local.
JDRP No. 86-19 (9/23/86)

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