When describing activities in today's K-12 science classrooms, the word inquiry often causes some confusion. As a result, many of us find ourselves asking the same questions: How do we know when inquiry is authentic? What should happen in an inquiry-centered science classroom? What is the teacher's role in an inquiry-centered class and what is the…

Although clean, potable groundwater constitutes one of our most valuable resources, few students or science educators hold complete and appropriate understandings regarding the concept. Recent studies that focus on secondary students' and preservice science teachers' understandings of groundwater found little difference between the groups'…

Teachers often use demonstrations to prepare students for a science experiment. This article describes a demonstration method to ensure that students are not supplied with all the answers before the actual experiment and to help them to remain an active part of the science lesson. (ZWH)

Reviews and assesses major crisis conditions in science education. Cites specific findings from key status studies and reports. Proposes that goals be reassessed and that successes in science teaching be measured in terms of such goals. (ML)

Examined the effect of discovery and non-discovery classroom climates on college students learning of science process skills and biology content achievement. Results indicate students in discovery climate learned as much content as students in more direct class. These and other results are compared to those of an earlier study. (JN)

Guidelines to foster creativity in elementary/middle school students are discussed. These include understanding the creative process, freeing the classroom from constraints, rewarding creative behavior, modeling creative behavior, deferring judgment, choosing appropriate subject matter/materials, and using activities stimulating creativity.…

Compares aspects of creativity in science between students enrolled in concept-oriented classes and those enrolled in issue-oriented classes. Focuses on student outcomes and creativity. Shows that science teachers were convinced of the necessity for middle school science teachers to be portrayed as supporting students' exploration, explanation,…

Two teacher behavior patterns differing in the degree of directiveness utilized by the teacher were investigated. The results show that teacher behavior does effect student behavior in elementary science classes where hands on activities are employed and presents evidence that materials, activities, and curricula cannot be made teacher-proof. (BT)

Presents goals desired for teachers and students for science education reform: positive attitude; creativity; effective communication; appreciation of the usefulness of science; active classrooms; science for everyone; innovative teaching; ability to ask questions; minds-on activities; student self-evaluation; and students see, students do. (MKR)

Provides a framework for objectively selecting a biology textbook based upon credible recommendations from the professional literature. This framework especially draws from recent research findings in science, learning theory, and instruction. (Contains 25 references.) (PR)

Investigated was growth in creativity under two different teacher behavioral strategies (student-structured and teacher-structured learning). Results indicated that students in a nondirective, student-structured science class made significant gains in figural creativity with no loss or gain in student verbal creativity. (BT)

Discusses the major crisis points in science education and reviews findings from the major science studies of the 1980's. Contends that cooperative efforts of elementary, secondary, college, university and scientific communities are needed to resolve the crisis. (ML)

Describes 15 innovative college science programs identified by the Society of College Science Teachers. Gives nine generalizations regarding the programs. (YP)

Examined effect of two classroom climates (discovery and nondiscovery) on learning of science process skills and content achievement of college students (N=78). Results indicate that students in both climates achieved equally well, but students in the discovery climate achieved higher process scores as measured by the Welch Science Process…

Describes activities with a cartesian diver, a marginally buoyant float. (PR)