Investigated were children's reactions when allowed to choose their own apparatus and perform experiments with appropriate directions available. Few students invented their own experiments; most followed the available printed instructions. (SL)

This was an experiment to test the extended discretion laboratory approach versus a guided-inquiry approach for teaching biology in a university setting. Among three criterion variables (examination, reports, and quizzes), only the laboratory report scores showed differences between groups and group-by-instructor interaction. (Author/YP)

Determines how the use of a science education program affected selected ninth-grade students' comprehension of science reading material. The different effects of the program depended on students' reading and mathematics scores. (Author/YP)

National Assessment of Educational Progress data show that, by age 9, girls express interest but do not engage in as many science activities as boys. This continues through ages 13 and 17, paralleled by increasing negative views of science and science classes/careers. Suggestions to eliminate inequalities found are offered. (JN)

Examines (1) how students evaluate information obtained in the science laboratory; (2) the effects of use of microcomputer-based laboratory; and, (3) the effects of explicit instruction on critical evaluation skills. Discusses results in terms of students' propensity to accept incorrect graphs and in terms of the effect of the enhanced instruction…