Definitions for the terms open-ended, problem solving, and investigations are considered. The interaction between these terms and teaching styles are discussed. Student influences over the learning process in this type of investigation are examined. (CW)

Describes a study in which elementary school children received different types of instruction about terminology used in explaining the water cycle. Results indicated that the group of students receiving hands-on instruction demonstrated a better understanding of the terms than did the other groups involved in the study. (TW)

Discussed are the ways that misconceptions about chemistry are acquired by presecondary children. Several recommendations for teaching chemistry to children are presented including the use of variety, hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills, and appropriate timing of concepts. (CW)

This article takes a critical look at practical work in school science and the often extravagant claims that are made for it. A case is made for a more rigorous, theory-driven approach to practical methods. (Author/CW)

The ue of hands-on models in teaching protein synthesis, in comparison to traditional expository methods, has been shown to improve the content achievement of biology students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of models and the accompanying laboratory exercises in terms of content achievement and attitude toward biology and…

Developing a constructivist view of scientific inquiry and knowledge is considered to be important to the training of future scientists, as well as to the understanding of scientific information by all citizens. The research reported targets the junior high school grades. Curricular materials that introduce seventh graders to the constructivist…

Some observations of general progress and of gender-related differences in achievement when using construction sets in the early years are presented. Included are the results of two studies which examined the use of Lego construction sets by children age six to eight. (CW)

Improvements in the mechanism of the whirlybird used in the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) unit "Subsystems and Variables" are presented. Variables which can be investigated using this device are discussed. An illustration of the improved device is provided. (CW)

Using the Biomedical Sciences Preparatory Program (BioPrep) for illustration, this paper discusses an approach to educational improvement through the development of curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and the involvement of students in real-life problems. Opening sections describe BioPrep, a program designed to prepare rural high…

This study examined how the science methods program at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln affected pre-service elementary teachers' attitudes toward teaching science. A pretest/posttest design was used to evaluate the change in attitude over the course of the semester. Results of the study indicated that the methods course positively influenced…

Discussed are the two sides to the question of laboratory dissections. Alternatives to dissection are proposed as well as the importance of incorporating dissections in a science curriculum. (KR)

Environmental education provides an interdisciplinary approach to connect various curriculum areas, such as science, mathematics, social studies, and reading. This study sought to discover if intermediate grade students who had instruction in environmental education were more positive toward the school curriculum than those who have not. Fourteen…

Examined is the contribution that hands-on, interactive centers can make to science education. The characteristics of informal and formal learning are compared and discussed. (KR)

This document reports on a doctoral-level practicum designed to train volunteers as docents to assist in the programs of the NOVA Children's Museum located on the Cedargrove School campus (Covina, California). Docents were found to be essential for more in-depth science learning to take place during hands-on museum experiences which promote the…

A significant alternative to the traditional text-based approach to elementary science has been represented by the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). Although the literature documents the process of the investigative approach, greater utilization of available programs and support from teachers are not evidenced. This investigation was…