Describes an 18-month program for improving science teaching in Texas elementary schools. Designed for teachers from schools of all income levels, the program stressed inquiry learning methods. Teachers learned to write constructivist curriculum modules, which they later piloted at a summer science camp that stimulated children's creative…

Introduces the Iowa Chautauqua Program (ICP) which was disseminated through the U.S. Department of Education as an exemplary model of professional development for inservice teachers. Results reveal intricate relationships between classroom implementation by teachers and program implementation by the school district. (Contains 24 references.)…

This document is a description of an inquiry oriented, hands-on, kit-based science program initiated by the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology in its culturally diverse urban school district. Descriptions include the PUSD science program setting, the major components of the program,…

Introduces the Earth Science Summer Institute for elementary teachers, a program of professional development in content and inquiry. Focuses on concepts and learning demonstrating the interconnectedness of earth science topics. (Author/YDS)

Describes development of the National Science Education Standards in content, teaching, assessment, professional development, school and district programs, and the science education system. Considers the standards' distinctive features, including an expanded definition of science, grounded in inquiry; and an emphasis on all students understanding…

Describes a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project in which hands-on science became the predominant mode of instruction in a school district. Explores the effectiveness of the program and its implications for the future and the science supervisor. (KHR)

Outlines the major features of Food Works, a non-profit education firm that has developed a unique elementary school restructuring program called Common Roots. This program is a prevention-based approach to education that empowers individuals with the skills of food-growing. (DDR)

The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for a professional development model and to highlight two features of the model which have been designed to address school improvement needs while concurrently providing professional development opportunities for novice and experienced science educators. The two features include summer magnet…