Self-assessment is essential to scientific literacy as stated by the National Research Council Committee on Conceptual Framework for the New K-12 Science Education Standards and has since been incorporated into the Next Generation Science Standards. However, little empirical evidence documents which instructional tools are beneficial in improving…

Describes the "Computer Software Inquiry Inventory" (CSI), which was designed for content analysis of inquiry-based science computer software. Explains the five basic features of the instrument. Includes analyses of two programs using the CSI categories of evaluation. (ML)

Describes the use of the Brown scale and reports the results of its use in an experiment. Describes the instrument and details the experiment. Concludes that the Brown scale is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring attitude toward computer instruction. A copy of the instrument is included. (CW)

The Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS), with support from the National Science Foundation, is conducting a three-year project to develop a model for implementing educational computing in school science. This paper explains the tentative model in detail and presents the results of a pilot test of the model, which project staff conducted…

This study ascertained whether or not computer assisted instruction (CAI) enhanced the quality of the educational experience and resulted in increased learning. The study involved the teaching of a 3-week instructional unit on population genetics and evolutionary processes to advanced placement biology students. The control group (N=38) received…

Surveys the present status of science instructional software in the United States. Describes project efforts at the University of Pittsburgh on the development of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). Explains the major components and provides microworld examples of ITS. Includes the software evaluation instrument and summarizes the evaluation…

Gives guidelines for using a microcomputer software evaluation instrument which focuses on policy issues, instructional quality, science subject-matter standards, and technical quality. The complete evaluation instrument is included. (JM)

A learner's reading ability may be an important variable in the individualization of computer-assisted instruction. Results of a study of 101 students in grades 4 through 8 indicate that computer-mediated CLOZE reading tests adequately account for a student's reading ability and may be used prescriptively for the individualization of instruction.…

The Alaska Science Pilot was a one-semester pilot study, undertaken from January to June of 1989 and funded largely by federal Migrant Funds. Students used the high school level general science course called "Alaska Science," which is comparised of ten 3-week text workbook units of study which deal primarily in Alaskan applications of…

In the practicum reported in this document, the self-esteem of low achievers in a high school science class was improved through the use of strategies such as personal self-referent verbal statements (PSRVS), group activities, incentive programs, motivation techniques such as computer assisted instruction (CAI) and parental involvement. A…

This report presents the results of a survey conducted among all primary and secondary schools in Leicestershire (England) in 1985 to examine the role of microcomputers in schools, and the extent to which their introduction had led to a shift in teaching emphasis toward providing more skill-based curricula (i.e., study skills for life) rather than…

This document represents the final report of a project which was designed to improve the quality and quantity of microcomputer use in science teaching. The five major goals of the project were met, and 22 essential competencies for computer literacy among science teachers were identified. The model and materials developed tended to be successful…

The high percentage of students who have difficulty in solving free-response problems related to the mole concept was addressed by implementation of reading skill strategies and computer assisted instruction. Frayer models, semantic mapping, and graphic organizers from Reading in the Content Area (RICA) were used to increase student understanding…

The high percentage of students not participating in or completing a science research project has been a recurring problem for science teachers. In this project, three variables influencing the problem are identified: (1) students' failure to engage in an active search for science research topics; (2) inadequate resource materials at the middle…

In recognition that computers are becoming an integral part of science teaching, the British Department of Education asked the Royal Society of Chemistry to investigate the current use of microcomputers and microelectronics in teaching chemistry at the secondary school level. This document presents the results of that study. It includes: (1) an…