Students in their first weeks of secondary school were asked to select from a list those topics they would be interested in studying in science. Gender differences were found in that boys predominately selected topics with a mechanical connection, whereas girls predominantly selected topics related to human biology. (Author)

Determined if junior high school students prefer to study plants or animals and if their preferences are related to variables of grade level and/or sex. Findings show that, overall, students prefer animal study over plant study. Other findings (such as girls having a greater interest in biological topics than boys) are discussed. (JN)

This study investigated the potential influence of female science teachers as sex role models for eighth-grade girls' science and engineering (SE) career interests. Subjects were 30 eighth-grade science teachers (14 men and 16 women) and their 1,937 eighth-grade students (992 girls and 945 boys). Using an SE career interest survey (CIS) developed…

A study of exceptional secondary school biology teachers was conducted to determine what factors might be important in encouraging young women to remain on the "science track" during high school. Each teacher had a record of encouraging his/her female students to enroll in further science and mathematics courses. Three questions were…

Reviews the literature concerning sociocultural factors, teacher influences and experiences that effect girls attitudes about entering science careers. Discusses a model of these influences on girls. Makes recommendations including increased opportunities and encouragement to foster more favorable attitudes toward science and increase science…

The first (exploratory) phase of the Learning in Science Project focused on science teaching/learning in the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14) and sought to identify problems and difficulties in several areas. Provided in this paper are comments obtained during structured/unstructured interviews (from students, ex-students, teachers, headmasters,…

Asserts that the achievement and attitude of women and minority groups in science is a critical issue for the 1990s. Proposes a two-pronged curricular strategy to attract diverse students into the sciences. Maintains that Rachel Carson's biography provides a model for underrepresented groups. (CFR)