This study reports on the process and development of middle school science fair projects inspired by a summer science program of citizen science monitoring (Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project) with their classroom teacher. We gathered and analyzed qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, and project boards). Our analysis revealed three key…

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of African American parents as it pertained to informal science education. The following questions guided this study: (1) What are the desires of African American parents/guardians with respect to informal science programs and experiences for their children?; (2) What happens in Jordan Academy, an…

Implementation of science curriculum materials has been a fundamental challenge in science education for decades. Policy researchers have argued that alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment are the key to supporting implementation. This paper focuses on teachers' perceptions of curricular alignment and on curriculum implementation using…

Examines the long-term impact of the Summer Science Exploration Program (SSEP), a two-week, inquiry-based science camp conducted at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA from 1992-1994. Aims to stimulate greater interest in science and scientific careers among middle-school students. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/YDS)

Indicates the necessity of curriculum frameworks that enable all students to achieve their maximum potential literacy; to create their own knowledge; and to develop in directions unique to their needs, interests, abilities, and perspectives--that is, to become self-actualized. (Contains 65 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the use of problem surveys to identify trends in the common problems of a group, to focus the direction of programs to attack identified problems, and to evaluate implemented programs. Gives an example of a survey which states educational problems to be ordered in terms of priorities. (MLH)

Presented is a review of the professional literature concerning the value of science education for mildly retarded students. (CS)

Factors related to the success of implementing elementary school science program changes are discussed. Decisions must be based on continuing teacher needs assessments, strengths and weaknesses of the maintenance system, community awareness, and observations of consequent student behavior. (BT)

Outlines a sociocultural perspective on program evaluation consistent with sociocultural views of knowing and learning. Perspective is characterized by rigorous use of multiple-choice tests, performance assessments, and event-based analyses; a dialectical approach to conflicting conclusions from individual assessments and between individual and…

Describes a survey of secondary schools in five states (California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah) designed to provide guidelines for the education of secondary science teachers. The present status of science program innovations and predicted trends in science enrollment indicate that prospective science teachers should be familiarized…

Presents an overview of preschool science education as it has developed over the past decade, and examines some of the promising signs and problem areas in this field. Aims to provide teachers, researchers, and program planners with ideas that can be utilized in science program development at the preschool level. (JR)

Posner's theory of conceptual change forms the background for this study which focuses upon conceptual ecology, specifically upon the heuristics children appear to employ in sense-making. The study focuses upon two children who demonstrate remarkably different sense-making heuristics; a recognizably scientific one and one that involves the…

Reports on a study of parent-child interactions in a children's museum demonstrating that parents shape and support children's scientific thinking in everyday, nonobligatory activity. Finds that when children engaged an exhibit with their parents, their exploration of evidence was observed to be longer, broader, and more focused on relevant…

Discusses some of the problems faced by technical advisors implementing projects for the improvement of science education in Africa and reasons for these problems. Problem areas considered include underdevelopment, underestimating the process, finances, personality conflict and motivation, and opposition from key groups. (A list of major UNESCO…

Describes a five-week course in animal behavior for parents and their middle-school-aged children offered at the Minnesota Zoological Garden. Course activities included discussions, film viewing, demonstrations, zoo observations, and home studies of gerbils or zebra finches. Results of the course are discussed. (CS)