Science educators highlight the importance of developing systems thinking (ST) and futures thinking (FT) for students to make decisions and to be active citizens that address socioscientific problems. The dimensions related to FT take in this study were three implied in ST and two in the appropriation of the future. The aim of this study is to…

This study aimed to analyze the Research-Based Learning (RBL) model implementation in the natural sciences in improving students' analytical thinking skills. This study employed a mixed-method with a sequential exploratory design. Data collection began with qualitative data and then continued with quantitative data. Qualitative data collection…

Integrated curricula seem promising for the increase of attention on science and technology in primary education. A clear picture of the advantages and disadvantages of integration efforts could help curriculum innovation. This review has focused on integrated curricula in primary education from 1994 to 2011. The integrated curricula were…

In order for students to experience science as scientists do, they must learn the skills of inquiry. This paper examines inquiry as a way of learning science and presents strategies to promote inquiry in teaching science. A model of progression of inquiry skills from grades K-2 to 3-5 is presented and the skills are aligned with the Massachusetts…

Investigated whether instructing children in the component skills underlying Piagetian transitivity tasks would increase their performance on both transitivity-related tasks and on reasoning tasks not directly related to transitivity. Results indicate that incorporating the quantification of certain abstract symbols, training can influence…

Offers a series of hands-on activities for introducing students to concepts of energy transfer and conversion. Describes how simple devices as marbles, ramps, and sliders can be used to gauge the transfer of energy and assist in the development of investigative skills. (ML)

Provides specific directions and guidelines for the computer program "YOU Program ME." Explains how this introductory hands-on activity can teach the concept of programming and can introduce the BASIC language. Background information and student activity sheets are included. (ML)

This report contains four learning modules designed to support a range of objectives that include increasing technological literacy, and improving written and verbal communication skills, psychomotor skills, computational skills, geometry, analysis, problem solving, and other critical thinking skills. The activities described in each module…

Outlines activities for each of eight science process skills (observing, using space/time relationships, classifying, using numbers, measuring, communicating, predicting, and inferring). Directions for the activities (all of which use sea shells) are included. (DH)

Describes a tutorial program where fourth grade students are paired with kindergarten children to assist in culminating activities and with review sessions. Explains the tutors' responsibilities, the program emphases, and scheduling procedures. (ML)

The legitimacy of writing as a science activity is supported in this paper and ways of incorporating it in an elementary science program are suggested. Reasons are delineated on how writing can help students improve their skills in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, questioning, and concept clarification. Specific activities are…

Skills needed for problem-solving are discussed. Examples of defining problems, questioning, observing, classifying, predicting, and confirming are provided. An overview of the Elementary Science Study (ESS) program, including a list of ESS units (grouped by subject matter), is also provided. (Author/JN)

This paper focuses specifically on the reasoning skill called proportional reasoning. Areas addressed include: (1) a definition (providing examples of direct and indirect proportional reasoning); (2) the development of proportional reasoning (discussing survey results of students logical reasoning abilities); (3) planning for the future (proposing…

Science is often the stepchild among elementary school subjects-- something less than basic but not quite elective. This handbook encourages elementary school principals to begin thinking about science as a fourth "R" in their school's curriculum, a subject that teaches basic skills while enhancing those learned in other curricular…

The Reinforcement Science Skills Project of the Cleveland Public Schools is designed to meet the science education needs of urban elementary and junior high school students. The project provides specially designated materials and teacher training in their use at selected and inservice sessions for teachers in nontargeted schools. Results at the…