Proposes that students learn and do chemistry based on their own beliefs. Expresses concern that the educational system supports and rewards the learning of facts over the learning of concepts and general skills. Offers suggestions for instructional improvement. (TW)

Provides several reasons for the lack of the classroom teacher's involvement in science education research. Explains the purposes, advantages, involvements, and kinds of research. States that without teachers as researchers, there is an inability to put knowledge to practice. (RT)

This paper describes the results of a student science assessment test and teacher questionnaire surveying 424 sixth grade teachers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The student test measures student attitudes to science and scientists, knowledge in life, physical and earth science, and student competence on 12 science processes…

Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods were used to compare perceptions of teacher participants and non-participants in a Title II science update inservice program. The purpose of this article is to compare participants' and selected non-participants' perceptions of their motivations to learn using two evaluation methods. Qualitative…

Collaborative "research partnerships" between university researchers and classroom science teachers have been encouraged by recent efforts of both the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Key teachers in the Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE)…

The document reviews the literature concerning the goals of elementary school science teaching. The review indicated a consensus among scientists and science education experts that elementary school science instruction should promote meaningful understanding of science concepts, processes, and attitudes. Students should not just be memorizing…

Reexamines the traditional role of observation in science and science education. Proposes that since observation is based on some view of the world, it is not innocent and unbiased, but theory-dependent. Discusses possible implications for the science curriculum when reconsidering the role and status of observation in science. (TW)

Reports on students' attitudes toward reading science during an experimental study that investigated ways to increase comprehension of technical material. Describes the procedure, results, conclusions, applications, and implication. (RT)

Reports on the development and implementation of the "Introductory Science Teacher Education" (ISTE) package as a pilot program for preservice science teachers. Demonstrates the significant effect of the ISTE program over traditional methods was that teachers developed a better understanding of the nature of science and acquired more…

Reports on a study conducted in the Richardson Independent School District (Texas) which was designed to assess the attitudes toward science of students and teachers who have been involved with the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) compared to non-SCIS students and teachers. (TW)

Describes a study in which middle school/junior high school students were exposed to women science career role models as a part of their science instruction. Results indicated that the student's attitudes toward scientists and women in science were positively affected. (TW)

Discusses the need for physics to be taught to individuals in a wide variety of areas. Argues that the understanding of physics concepts enhances other fields. Proposes various ways to integrate physics into other programs. Gives examples of incorporating physics into speech therapy, environmental health and medical technology programs. (TW)

Conveying an adequate conception of the nature of science to students is considered by many to be implicit in the broader context of what has come to be known as scientific literacy. It has also been demonstrated that possession of valid concepts of the nature of science do not necessarily result in better science teaching. This study examines the…

Describes the Warwick Process Science Project (WPSP), which uses teams of teachers for writing a process-oriented science curriculum for students in the 11-16 age category. Discusses the project's philosophy and priorities, and delineates some of the science process skills being integrated into this new British curriculum. (TW)

Examines the influence of both locus of control and three instructional strategies to foster an understanding of the nature of science. Reports that the nature of science was most predictable for a separate process/content/teaching methods and logical thinking ability was the best predictor of the nature of science. (Author/YP)