Analyzes videotape data of a summer science camp for elementary school children and characterizes students' orientations when exploring natural phenomena as modes of engagement. Reports that the six frequently observed orientations toward phenomena include exploration mode, engineering mode, pet care mode, procedural mode, performance mode, and…

Examined trends in teachers' recommendations for changing elementary and junior high school science programs between 1978 and 1982. Results discussed are based on responses of British Columbia teachers- 3,040 teachers in 1978 and 1,631 in 1982, with return rates ranging from 77.5 percent to 85 percent. (JN)

Investigated were 27 elementary teachers to determine how the factors of dogmatism, attitude towards science, and congruence with new curriculum influence the adoption of new science programs. Teacher congruence with new science courses and attitudes toward science both correlated negatively with dogmatism. (SL)

An instructional program based on expert-novice differences in experimental problem-solving performance was taught to grade six students (N=265). Performance was assessed with multiple-choice and open-ended measures of specific transfer. Between-group comparisons using pretest scores as covariate showed treatment condition students consistently…

Evaluated the effectiveness of an in-service science program, designed to introduce the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) to 35 elementary schools, by measuring teachers' (N=168) use of living materials available from the school district's resource supply center. Findings include no significant increase in material usage by workshop…

Evaluated attainment of Nigerian Primary Education Improvement Program's objectives in terms of students' ability to practice process skills, their interest, active participation in and understanding of science lessons, and the availability of materials and ease of preparing and teaching the lessons for teachers. (Author/SK)