This article presents a systematic review of research on the achievement outcomes of all types of approaches to teaching science in elementary schools. Study inclusion criteria included use of randomized or matched control groups, a study duration of at least 4 weeks, and use of achievement measures independent of the experimental treatment. A…

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored professional development of educators in the NASA Summer of Innovation (SOI) program. The Idaho, Montana, and Utah (IMU-SOI) program worked with educators and students from thirteen Native American communities. The summer sessions were focused on problem based learning and…

In this commentary, I discuss how policy initiatives play out in two different contexts for elementary school teachers yet produce very similar outcomes regarding teachers' professional development and school science learning for elementary students. Ironically, the outcomes that we want see in elementary school science learning and professional…

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…

This document outlines and discusses 67 minimum standards for good science teaching in elementary, middle/junior high, and senior high schools. The standards are presented in three sections. The first section (resources for learning) considers science spaces/places (laboratories, classrooms, individual study), science learning materials, science…