This document presents the Alabama State Department of Education minimum programs for science for grades K through 12. Programs are listed in two sections: K-8 and 9-12. Each listing includes: (1) a brief outline of life science, physical science, and earth science for the grade level, K-8, or for the science course, K-12; and (2) a detailed…

This elementary school science unit approaches environmental education from a humanistic point of view. The stated goals of the program are to establish: "(1) a sanitive use of the environment, (2) a sense of environmental responsibility, and (3) a respect for life." The program format is a series of cards and booklets for student and…

Reported is a study to determine if cloze tests are sensitive to gain measurement using two different approaches to science instruction. A secondary purpose was to determine what relationships existed among the scores of 300 fifth-grade students (150 boys, 150 girls), randomly selected from a population of 520 fifth-grade students in Warminster,…

Describes a chemistry program in which experiments are performed for students in grades one to three. The experiments use only materials and apparatus found in the average home so they can be reported by teachers or parents. Students become involved in the program by asking questions and making predictions. (JN)

Describes how a science challenge program was modeled after the Olympics to offer a variety of science events in a competitive setting. Reviews organizational factors, suggests sources for events, and identifies rules and scoring procedures. (ML)

Outlines and discusses elements for designing elementary school science programs, considering: goals and objectives; scope; sequence (arrangement dependent on logic, topic, hierarchy, developmental psychology, or combinations); instructional strategies; evaluation; and inservice education. Also suggests that textbooks serve as points to begin the…

Examined trends in teachers' recommendations for changing elementary and junior high school science programs between 1978 and 1982. Results discussed are based on responses of British Columbia teachers- 3,040 teachers in 1978 and 1,631 in 1982, with return rates ranging from 77.5 percent to 85 percent. (JN)

In 1977, 180 second- and third-year education students completed a questionnaire in which they were asked to recall their science experience in elementary school. Results from this study are compared to those obtained in 1984 from 159 students of approximately the same age and at the same level of education. (JN)

The National Diffusion Network (NDN) is a federal program that disseminates information about exemplary educational programs and helps other schools replicate them. Each state has an NDN facilitator who can help interested teachers develop and/or find appropriate curricula. Information on applying to and participating in the NDN is given. (DH)

Four approaches may be used to convert an existing textbook science program into a district science program. These include correlated resource, chapter, lesson, and generalized approaches, each approach using an adopted textbook series as a base (determining subject scope/sequence) into which local aims and resources may be integrated. (Author/JN)

Provides information on "3-2-l CONTACT," a television series on science subjects. Indicates that 3-year taping rights (without charge) for in-school use are available for the entire series and that, since programs are closed-captioned, hearing-impared students with access to decoders can take advantage of the series. Broadcast…

Describes primary science education in Australia from the 1960s to the present. Suggests what changes should be made in the primary science curriculum and how these changes could be implemented. (DS)

Described is the elementary science curriculum "Children and Their Natural Environment" developed by the working group for Educational Research at the University of Gottingen. Objectives are listed as attempting to integrate a particular teaching concept with the scientific way of looking at problems and an attempt to understand teaching…

Although the microscope is a basic tool in both physical and biological sciences, it is notably absent from most elementary school science programs. One reason teachers find it challenging to introduce microscopy at the elementary level is because children can have a hard time connecting the image of an object seen through a microscope with what…

This report is a policy statement for science curriculum and instruction in elementary schools. It describes a set of organizing principles that incorporate what science ought to be taught, and a learning sequence that illustrates how more "hand-on, minds-on" science can become more prevalent in our schools. Chapters included are: (1)…