The purpose of this study was to develop, scale, and validate assessments in engineering, science, and mathematics with grade appropriate items that were sensitive to the curriculum developed by teachers. The use of item response theory to assess item functioning was a focus of the study. The work is part of a larger project focused on increasing…

Within the field of science education, there remains little agreement as to the definition and characteristics of classroom inquiry. The emerging emphasis on scientific practices in science education reform discourse is underpinned by a need to better articulate the constituent elements of inquiry-based science. While a small number of…

Discusses Piaget's ideas and their influence on science class practices. Three elementary science programs are presented as teaching models based on Piaget's theory. New issues for teachers created as a result of the application of Piagetian ideas are discussed also. (HM)