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 goal of the Howard Hughes Science Institute (HHMI) supported science program is to train one staff member to become a science lead within each of the elementary schools in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools (MCPS) district. The specific objectives of the first year of HHMI grant project were to: (1) provide approximately 20…

These aspects of the 1970-71 implementation program for a system-wide elementary school science program are discussed: selection of the elementary science textbook adoption committee and an outline of the committee's responsibilities; review of materials by the selection committee, including a list of general strengths and weaknesses of four…

Reported is a study to ascertain the status of science education and to identify ways in which the educational department of the synod could aid in the development of these science programs. There were 47 schools in the study enrolling 7,809 students. Questionnaires were used to gather data from teachers of sciences, grades three through eight, as…

This paper describes a specific case study of the development of a continued evaluation program in science education. Introduced is the Audio-Tutorial Elementary Science Project (A-TESP) developed by Joseph D. Novak, which provides a model of program development, implementation, and evaluation. Three phases, characterized as the pre-developmental,…

Investigated were operative comprehension differences between 239 sixth and eighth grade pupils in activity oriented science programs and 249 students in a textbook oriented science program. Results indicated no differences among sixth graders, but activity oriented eighth graders scored higher than textbook oriented students. (SL)

Evaluation criteria for selecting an elementary school science program are given. The administrator's and teacher's roles are discussed. An evaluation instrument which provides a systematic approach to comparing science materials is given. (SA)

Presented is a checklist for use by science coordinators, school principals, science supervisors, and teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses of science programs in grades kindergarten through six. It can also be used by science coordinators during school visits. This guide contains space for recording information concerning: school name and…

A description and evaluation of an environmental science inservice education program for teachers of grades 4-6 from central Texas is described. Participants attended 32 class sessions which involved lecture, demonstration, seminars, laboratory work, and discussion. Two full-day and four half-day field trips were also part of the program. The…

Student outcomes were assessed by quantitatively combining results of 57 reported evaluations of three major curriculum programs in elementary school science. Thirty-two percent of the comparisons were statistically significant, favoring activity-based programs; six percent favored control groups. (DH)

This project developed an effective science curriculum, "Science for the Hearing Impaired" (SFHI), through adaption of two Houghton Mifflin science programs for use with hearing impaired adolescents (ages 9-13). This adaption included reorganization of objectives and content within lessons, deliberate and appropriate teaching of science…

A college professor who desired to practice what she preached and an elementary teacher who wanted to observe a hands-on science curriculum on a day-to-day basis form a teaching partnership. They offer insights on their successes, obstacles, and methods for improving hands-on science programs. (ZWH)

This report discusses the purposes and nature of various forms of assessment that can be used to enhance, support, and monitor the progress of science learning in elementary school classrooms. Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction" (describing assessment priorities); (2) "Issues in Assessment" (discussing validity, correspondence between…

Develops the question of evaluating energy education programs' direction/progress in light of four goal custers identified in the National Science Foundations' Project Synthesis. Discusses important characteristics of energy education curricula using transporation as an example. Urges establishment of learning environments in which students can…

Presents results of survey on the current status of energy education conducted for the Department of Energy at the end of the 1981-82 school year. Information about how energy is taught, and what factors (including time, texts, and other materials) promoting or preventing adoption of energy education materials was gathered. (JM)