Children are natural scientists full of curiosity. This curiosity allows them to ask questions about and to investigate their surroundings. Since science is not just a collection of facts to be learned, but rather investigations that need to be made, teachers should encourage that natural curiosity in the classroom. Luckily, the "Next…

In recent years, a number of National Research Council reports have emphasized the need to improve science education and enhance science literacy for all students. In addition, the newly released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" advocates engaging students in scientific practices and disciplinary core ideas. Children are not learning…

In this article, the author presents the science and engineering practices from the recently released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" (NRC 2011). The author recognizes the changes implied by the new framework, and that a new generation of science education standards will present new…

Discusses the adoption, by the Samoan elementary school system, of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) materials. Lists the SCIS courses being used and described some SCIS experiments performed by the Samoan students. (MLH)

Describes two research studies that, viewed collectively, provide an assessment of scientific literacy development. The results indicate thatthe Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program does develop positive attitudes toward science in children and that SCIS children excell in understanding the processes of science. (BR)

Discusses the A-T approach in conjunction with a structured science program, such as COPES, which provides opportunities for independent study and student self-pacing and is a means for increasing student comprehension. This approach can also help absentee students catch up as well as students who enter mid-year. (BR)

An active, materials-centered approach to learning, using the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) is described in its use at a school for the hearing impaired. (EB)

Reports on the District of Columbia school system's competency-based curriculum plan for education accountability. (BB)

Reviews the Elementary School Sciences Program (ESSP) in terms of format and content, goals and objectives, student materials, teacher materials, and equipment and media kits. (CP)

Reviews prepared by NSTA Curriculum Review Center at the University of Georgia, Athens, are presented. The Me Now program is described in detail - showing organization into four units representing a two-year instructional program for an Educable Mentally Handicapped Class. (EB)

Main reasons for not using recently developed curriculum materials in elementary schools include misunderstandings about their psychological bases, and lack of trained teachers and curriculum coordinators in school districts. Efforts should be directed to improve these conditions. (PS)

Not only are relevant and field centered preservice teacher preparation programs necessary in order to bring about desired changes in science instruction in elementary schools, but strategies should be planned for implementation of improved programs in schools as well. Guidelines are described for effecting successful change in schools. (PS)

Describes the working of the Mutually Aided Learning (MAL) project in which high school students serve as learning assistants in elementary school classrooms. (PEB)

Suggests that a possible explanation of why student achievement in science is higher than nationwide statistics rests in the combined systemwide philosophy of education combined with the implementation of science curricula K-8 which was compatible with the district philosphy. Data tables are presented. (EB)