This study used innovative assessment practices to obtain and document broad learning outcomes for a 15-hour game-based curriculum in Quest Atlantis, a multi-user virtual environment that supports school-based participation in socio scientific inquiry in ecological sciences. Design-based methods were used to refine and align the enactment of…

This experimental curriculum unit suggests how dramatic innovations in classroom content may be achieved through use of computers. The computational perspective is viewed as one which can enrich and transform traditional curricula, act as a focus for integrating insights from diverse disciplines, and enable learning to become more active and…

Describes a project that taught groups of fourth graders how to develop instructional software for second and third graders in the areas of mathematics and science. Topics include project goals for students and the teacher; integrating technology; documentation and packaging; community involvement; and benefits to students. (LRW)

Describes a collaborative project involving third and fifth graders that focused on integrating computer technology into the earth science curriculum. Electronic research, telecommunications, science software, and an interdisciplinary approach are discussed; and a list of classroom resources and three worksheets are included. (LRW)

Discusses the integration of technology into the curriculum and how to design an interactive technological learning environment based on the concept of scientific sense-making. Highlights include the importance of sense-making in science education and an experiment on curriculum design for a fifth- to sixth-grade unit on seasonal change. (Contains…

Describes the adoption of non-textbook-based materials for elementary science instruction in California. The necessary collaboration between educational technology, curriculum, and instructional professionals is discussed; integrated multimedia materials are described that include software, video, kits, and booklets; and the role of teachers and…

Presents the educational ideas and practices adopted in the Research Group on Education (RGE) schools (Bulgaria) as a means of training people for the new information age. Details the educational system and the characteristics of the curricula under the RGE system. (CW)

Since 1983, the Educational Technology Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education has studied the uses of computers and other technologies to improve K-12 instruction in science, mathematics, and computing. Collaborative research groups--including scientists and mathematicians, practicing teachers, learning theorists, and software…

Describes good sources of real-time science data available on the World Wide Web for grades 5-12 classrooms. Highlights include preparation and software tools; ways to integrate scientific investigations into classroom instruction; data manipulation, including trend analysis, animation, enhancement, and measurement; and student assessment. (LRW)

This document contains the abstracts of most of the papers, symposia, and poster sessions presented at the 62nd Annual Conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). Subject areas addressed include: teacher preparation; science, technology and society; classroom research, elementary science; process skills;…

This document contains the abstracts of most of the papers, symposia, and poster sessions presented at the 63rd Annual Conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). Subject areas addressed include teacher preparation; informal settings; cognitive models; classroom practices; teaching methods; student learning;…

This document contains the abstracts of most of the papers, symposia and poster sessions presented at the 61st Annual Conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). Subject areas addressed include: teacher preparation, science, technology and society; classroom research; elementary science; process skills;…