This study was an attempt to use a model or a theoretical construct and to find if that model related to an underlying construct teachers might have as they view science teaching decisions. Nine scenes from the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) film, "Don't Tell Me, I'll Find Out," were selected. Statements reflecting three…

This paper reports a study to develop a measure that would determine behaviors teachers predict they would use while teaching elementary school science. The Predicted Role Measure (PRM) consisted of a motion picture film and a response packet. After observing nine scenes from the film, the participating teachers recorded their predicted behaviors.…

This study involved an inservice education program designed to enhance teacher behavior in the use of Science - A Process Approach. The major method of gaining information on teacher behavior was direct observation and involved the development and utilization of a Classroom Observation Rating Form (CORF). Twenty-three elementary teachers comprised…

This paper contains the report of an investigation to determine what relationships existed between teacher competencies in science mastered via a televised inservice program (LIFT OFF!) and teachers' science-related attitudes, past experiences, and use of a science program (Science - A Process Approach). Evidence was obtained from the number of…

This study discusses the differences in behavior that the open-minded teacher and the closed-minded teacher exhibit in teaching elementary school science. To study dogmatism and classroom behaviors, a group of 43 teachers enrolled in an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in-service program was identified and classified into…

Reported is a study into the teaching behaviors of elementary science teachers based on the philosophy of Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). One hundred eighty-four teachers were selected from a large geographical area, having widely differing backgrounds and varying education and/or experience with SCIS programs. The Predicted Role…

Focuses on the relationships of the teacher's affective attributes, concerning both interest and attitude, and measures of teaching behaviors of elementary grade preservice teachers (N=148) consistent with instructional methodology of the SCIS curriculum. Results include a confirmation that a field-oriented treatment yields significant changes in…

Presents basic guidelines for classroom control and discipline for teachers using new science programs that encourage independent study and hands-on activities. (MA)

This report presents the results of an investigation of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program and the effects of the Materials Objects unit on first-grade students and teachers. The contents of the report include purposes and limitations of the study, discussion of the instruments, observers, reliability of the Q sort, the…

Reported is a study of the effect of selected modes of feedback on teacher behavior in a microteaching situation. Forty students enrolled in an elementary school science methods course participated in this study. Four groups were randomly organized into three treatment groups and one control group. One treatment group received verbal feedback from…

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…

This study describes a workshop designed to improve elementary science instruction by encouraging teachers to discard the "spectator" mode of participation and become involved in a program designed to be compatible to the objectives and philosophy of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). A random sample of 224 teachers (the…

Described and assessed was the teacher's role in three elementary school science programs which included hands-on learning experiences for the students. Results indicated that this role varied with the manner in which hands-on materials were used in the program. (CW)

A quantitative synthesis of research findings on the effects of three major activity-based elementary science programs developed with National Science Foundation support was conducted. Controlled evaluation studies of the Elementary Science Study (ESS), Science-A Process Approach (SAPA), or The Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) were used…

Summarizes findings of seven studies dealing with how teacher behavior affects student performance in activity-centered science classrooms at the elementary and junior high school levels. Concludes that activity-centered classrooms encourage student creativity in problem solving, student independence, and help low ability students overcome initial…