The purpose of this article is to introduce a methodology for analyzing the complex configurations emerging in students' speech and drawing activities, having consequences for how and what students learn and make meaning of in science. Accordingly, we launch a methodology to unfold the multidimensional communication as to deepen the analysis of…

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness, with respect to science process skill development, of the elementary science curriculum designed by the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). The assessment was made by statistically comparing the scores on "The Science Process Instrument" of two groups of students. The…

Tested were six levels of a twelve-level hierarchical model for the attainment of concepts leading to the conservation of displacement volume. Presentation was by individual interview using either objects or drawings to present tasks. Results show five of six tested followed anticipated order and that method of presentation showed no significant…

Twenty second- and third-grade children were tested on their ability to make judgements of certain area and volume equivalences. The children were then presented a conservation-of-liquid task. Of the 17 children who gave correct conservation responses, only two had solved the area and volume problems. Thus, contrary to what is suggested by…

Reports the results of a study of the relationship between cognitive style and achievement in a modern elementary science program. (JR)

This study was conducted to determine if fifth-grade students can significantly improve their use of logical analysis through a suitable instructional unit taught under ordinary classroom conditions. Concrete teaching materials were developed to familiarize students with the distinction between the valid inference patters--Modus Ponendo Ponens and…

This study examines the various abilities subsumed under the process of correlational thinking. Each major ability is translated into behavioral activities and procedures in six booklets. Each booklet corresponds to a specific major ability and is placed, with respect to the other booklets, in a highly structured sequence. The specific abilities…

The primary purpose of this paper was to present the distinction between the actual contributions of Piaget regarding epistemological questions and the manner in which these contributions have been interpreted to provide a basis for current educational curriculum reform. It is the contention of the authors that the Piagetian theory concerning the…

Examines the way children learn from each other in the science classroom, and in particular deals with the question: "What can we do in teacher training to help teachers learn how to foster child-child learning?" (JR)

Students in grades 1-4 who had used the "Science--A Process Approach" were tested by individually administering the tasks of the "Science Process Instrument." Tasks to assess the level of the same skills in social studies, fine arts, and language arts were then administered. Data analysis showed that there was a similar…

This paper reviews and analyzes research in science education which focused on science concepts and science concept learning. Studies reviewed are grouped into eight categories: (1) cognitive development, (2) factors influencing concept formation, (3) level of concept attainment, (4) methodological effects, (5) methodological comparisons, (6)…

Research findings are reported concerning the extent to which writing assignments in contrasting examples of upper elementary science curriculum materials are likely to engage students in higher order thinking and problem solving, and to facilitate meaningful learning of scientific concepts. Organized around a common set of elaborate framing…

This paper contends that the science education community would benefit from a three-step, research-based model that would allow science education researchers, in the final step, to make recommendations to classroom teachers. The first step would be to establish an interdisciplinary approach to research on how the brain and mind learn and remember.…

Reviews the purposes, underlying assumptions, and curriculum development model for the United Kingdom's "Children's Learning in Science Project." Explains the general features and phases of the constructivist approach to learning that the program advocates. Identifies theoretical developments on children's ideas, the constructivist view…