Mixing It Up: Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Intriguing Science in the Elementary Classroom.

MIXING IT UP: Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Intriguing Science in the Elementary Classroom. Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association, 2003. ISBN 0-87355-231-8. The current emphasis in schools on reading and math has led many educators to worry that a strong science curriculum is not being provided in U.S. schools, particularly at the elementary level. In order to address this concern, the National Science Teachers Association developed a lively collection of teacher-tested ways to blend science with math and language arts in grades K-6. The compilation of 25 classroom-based articles from Science & Children (NSTA's elementary journal) provides lesson plans and ideas for teaching science that use inter-disciplinary, integrated, and thematic approaches. For instance, the text describes how a unit on human survival in language arts can incorporate student inquiry into properties of ice, strategies for improving student observational skills, and the opportunity to write haiku, as well as how to use data collection and math in mapping the ocean floor. The articles are categorized by grade level, and by the NSTA standard the lesson plan addresses. The material also is linked to current Web content through NSTA's SciLinks program. SciLinks codes are located at key points in the book. Readers may log onto www.nsta. org/scilinks and, after entering a code, receive an annotated list of Web sites that will lead them to NSTA-approved Internet resources relevant to the content.

The book may be purchased from the NSTA Science Store at http://store.nsta.org or by calling 1-800-277-5300. Cost: $19.95; NSTA members receive a 20% discount.