The new Australian national science curriculum includes chemistry content at the primary level. Chemistry for young students is learning about changes in material stuff (matter) and, by implication, of what stuff is made. Pedagogy in this area needs to be guided by research if stepping stones to later learning of chemical ideas are to facilitate…

Describes a proven three-step method used by teachers in Australia and the United States for developing assessment strategies to match existing science curricula. Includes sample assessments. (DDR)

Describes and illustrates with pictures a process for making fossil molds using latex solution. Also employs gauze, plaster of Paris, and coloring compounds. (DDR)

Describes organizing a science day which includes having a statement of purpose, the organization of the day, details about the activities, and specific outcomes for the day. Recommends varying the activities for different levels. (DDR)

Examines the dip in achievement and interest in science that many students experience as they move into secondary schools. Explores the reasons for this phenomenon and possible solutions. (DDR)

This publication contains 24 studies which focus on: the fostering of inquiry in secondary school science laboratories; realistic expectations for traditional laboratory work; a content-based, college-level science course for all students; understanding learning at the classroom level; transitions and student task involvement; a project to…

Provides a progression of terms of underlying concepts related to moving and falling objects, and links these concepts to activities that are appropriate for various age ranges. Speculates on the role of teacher knowledge in effective science teaching. (DDR)

Investigates how museum visits can be used to meet the goals of practical work. Introduces a framework to facilitate student learning in museums. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Describes how to measure the penultimate laboratory speed, a stress wave velocity in a solid rod. Also includes background information on stress waves, apparatus, and procedures. Employs a homemade interface for the IBM platform. (DDR)

This paper reports on the latest outcomes of an ongoing cross national research project that examines the relationship between teachers' beliefs about the nature of science and the classroom learning environment from a reform-oriented constructivist perspective in junior high school science classrooms in Australia and Taiwan. The focus is on an…

Examined Australian year-10 students (n=110) for the effects of an instructional sequence in physics on their subsequent physics achievement and their perceived value of instruction aimed at conceptual change in year 11. An appendix outlines the year-10 instruction. (Contains 24 references.) (MDH)

This annual publication contains 43 research papers on a variety of issues related to science education. Topics include the following: mature-age students; teacher professional development; spreadsheets and science instruction; the Learning in Science Project and putting it into practice; science discipline knowledge in primary teacher education;…