The core practice of professional scientists is inquiry, often referred to as research. If educators are to prepare students for a role in the professional scientific and technological community, exposing them to inquiry-based learning is essential. Despite this, inquiry-based teaching and learning (IBTL) remains relatively rare, possibly due to…

This book explains the importance of teaching science to children and presents a theoretical framework on how to teach it. Science education is analyzed from two perspectives, teaching and learning. Contents include: (1) "Teaching Science 5-12: Why and How"; (2) "The Goals of Science Education"; (3) "Children Learning"; (4) "Children's Ideas"; (5)…

Considered are two commonly used techniques, the interview and word association techniques. Highlighted is a third technique called the repertory grid. This third technique can be used to interpret students' knowledge based on an explicit, psychological theory of human behavior. (Author/CW)

Since the "National Science Education Standards" were published in 1996, it has become apparent that the standards did not provide sufficient guidance on the key topics needed for implementation. Assessment was identified as a topic requiring more detail and guidance, as well as scientific inquiry, technology in the science curriculum,…

Groups from two Michigan-based science education projects, funded through the Kellogg Foundation Science Education Initiative, used networking conferences with cluster evaluation processes for their program assessment format. Cluster evaluation is categorized as a type of naturalistic evaluation, and it includes negotiated common cluster outcomes,…

Advocates allowing students to form groups of three in which they may work together on tests. Discusses reactions of students to the arrangement. (CP)

Discusses the use of student profiles in recording student progress related to science processes and skills, indicating that profile reporting is a fundamentally different way of describing and monitoring academic progress. Implications for the science curriculum are considered. (JN)

Computer Assisted Practical Evaluation (CAPE) is a FORTRAN computer program which students use to verify answers obtained from experimental data. Generally, whenever an incorrect answer is supplied, students are asked to redo calculations and submit a revised value. Advantages and use of the program with chemistry classes are described. (JN)

This manual was developed within the framework of the Project 2000+: Scientific and Technological Literacy for All, and it is hoped that the manual will provide support to teachers in their instructional practices and bring science and technological culture into the classroom. Contents of the manual are divided into four sections: (1)…

This article offers teachers a checklist method for evaluating the emphasis on career education in a science textbook. Career education included in textbooks should provide learning experiences in career exploration, career decision-making skills, worker characteristics, science-related occupations, and learning experiences for career preparation.…

The Learning Environmental Inventory is promoted as a tool that has been used extensively to ascertain differences in class environment and how student environment perceptions relate to achievement and attitude. It's felt that teachers can improve their classrooms through careful use of the instrument and application of knowledge gained. (MP)

Describes the infrared analysis of geological specimens which can form the basis of a laboratory exercise, allowing some minerals to be identified by "fingerprint" technique. Students can gain insight into the concept of symmetry and environment around an atom. (Author/SA)

Compared are two approaches to exam writing in which the narrative approach is described as a novel, creative, and integrated learning opportunity. In this approach, a single system is chosen in which questions are asked that challenge the student to perceive interrelationships between principles and details previously learned. (CS)

Reviews studies focusing on practical assessment in science. Areas considered include what students are really doing in laboratories, how practical skills should be assessed, methods used to assess practical science (such as internal/external examinations and continuous assessment), methodological issues, and reasons for the failure of some…

Presented are common words and phrases which are encountered in the statistical analysis of test results. Included are analysis of the mid-point, distribution of scores, calculation of scaled scores, test reliability, item analysis, and coefficients of reliability. (CS)