One hundred eighty studies of science inservice projects reported in the literature from 1973-1980 were reviewed. Sixteen of these studies contained sufficient data for meta-analysis (technique by which treatment effects can be quantified, standardized, and compared using a "size effect" statistic). The magnitude of the effect of the…

Common misconceptions of children that may interfere with their learning science are discussed, including three aspects of science programs: complexity, fragility, and unclear learning outcomes. Special attention is given to the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). Methods for solving problems dealing with students' misconceptions are then…