Science Essentials Elementary Level gives classroom teachers and science specialists a dynamic and progressive way to meet curriculum standards and competencies. Science Essentials are also available from Jossey-Bass publishers at the middle school and high school levels. You'll find the lessons and activities at each level actively engage students in learning about the natural and technological world in which we live by encouraging them to use their senses and intuitive abilities on the road to discovery. They were developed and tested by professional science teachers who sought to give students enjoyable learning experiences while preparing them for district and statewide proficiency exams.
For easy use, the lesson and activities at the elementary school level are printed on a big 81/2" x 11" lay-flat format that folds flat for photocopying of over 150 student activity sheets, and are organized into four sections:
I. METHODS AND MEASUREMENT LESSONS & ACTIVITES
II. PHYSICAL SCIENCE LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
III. LIFE SCIENCE LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
IV. EARTH SCIENCE LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
Each section offers 12 to 17 detailed lessons with reproducible activity sheets for teaching basic concepts and skills in one main area of science at this level. Each lesson includes:

• The Basic Principle underlying the lesson and accompanying student activity
• The specific science Competency students will demonstrate
• A list of Materials needed to complete the activity
• An easy-to-follow, illustrated Procedure for presenting the lesson and accompanying student activity handout
• Observations & Analysis describing the desired results and answers to the student activity
• A two-page, illustrated Student Handout with step-by-step directions for carrying out the activity and recording observations and conclusions

The lessons in each section are followed by sample test items focusing on the concepts and skills emphasized in that section. These will help students prepare for the types of questions they will be asked in actual test situations and are followed by answer keys.
All three grade level volumes--Elementary, Middle School, and High School--give you stimulating and effective ways to help students master basic science content and prepare to demonstrate their knowledge at the particular level.
"Dr. Handwerker provides teachers with a set of student-centered activities that review all the essential science concepts that students should know by 4th grade. This book simplifies life for even the busiest science teacher."
--Pam Walker and Elaine Wood, coauthors, Crime Scene Investigations: Real-Life Science Activities for the Elementary Grades