Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for integrating knowledge and practice in learning experiences in K-12 science education. "PlantingScience" (PS), an ideal curriculum for use as an NGSS model, is a computer-mediated collaborative learning environment intertwining scientific inquiry, classroom instruction, and online…

The recently published National Research Council (NRC) report "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" (NRC 2011) offers a thoughtful research-based agenda that helps guide teachers in making the shift to a doing-led agenda in K-12 science education. In the December 2011 editions of the NSTA…

In recent years, a number of National Research Council reports have emphasized the need to improve science education and enhance science literacy for all students. In addition, the newly released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" advocates engaging students in scientific practices and disciplinary core ideas. Children are not learning…

Teacher process variables and student outcomes were examined as they appeared in two settings employing curriculum materials based on alternate psychological learning approaches. The two settings were based on the cognitive restructuring and behavioral approaches described by Bruner and Gagne, respectively. Ten teachers were involved in the study.…

Discusses Piaget's ideas and their influence on science class practices. Three elementary science programs are presented as teaching models based on Piaget's theory. New issues for teachers created as a result of the application of Piagetian ideas are discussed also. (HM)

Presents courses, projects and teaching styles relating to different areas of science that are used in British schools. School science for the education of all, chemistry-O level syllabus, and teaching styles in the Nuffield A-level Physics course are examples of information presented. (HM)

Compares current science education reform efforts with those of the 1960s to enhance student learning. Discusses how an "alternative models" view of scientific explanation can contribute to reforms of course goals, social aspects of science learning, instructional practices, and roles for technology. Contains 50 references. (ZWH)

This publication introduces and provides a framework for Earth Systems Education (ESE), an effort to establish within U.S. schools more effective programs designed to increase the public's understanding of the Earth system. The publication presents seven "understandings" around which curriculum can be organized and materials selected in…

The author surveys the era of science innovation initiated by a bonanza of National Science Foundation funding from 1956 to 1976. He looks at the methods and materials that were developed and considers the extent to which this unprecedented national effort met, or is still pursuing, its goals. (Editor/SJL)

This digest provides information about "Research Within Reach: Science Education. A Research-Guided Response to the Concerns of Educators," part of a series produced by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory, Inc., Charleston, West Virginia. (Previous volumes in the series focused on reading, elementary mathematics, oral and written…

In 1991, Ohio received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a Statewide Systemic Initiative called Discovery to reform science and mathematics education. Funding since that year has included a grant to identify barriers to science and mathematics education reform, particularly barriers such as community and school resources,…

The first science education digest for 1985 focused on data obtained by use of meta-analysis techniques on research studies of science instruction. Instruction seldom takes place without instructional materials, so this second digest is a companion one containing a discussion of science education research on instructional materials. Data are shown…

This document consists of four sections. The first section includes two chapters which discuss the curriculum development projects of the 1960s and the goals of science education. The second section includes chapters which provide information about instructional strategies and systems, evaluation, the integration of science and other school…

Consolidates information on selected matters reported in two or more separate meta-analyses reported in this issue (SE 533 494-500). Also examines the relationship between results of these meta-analyses and other work of this nature reported in other sources. Indicates high degree of consistency among results of these various meta-analyses.…

Questionnaires with over 400 items were administered to key teachers of the 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education programs. It was hoped to compare the characteristics of teachers of exemplary programs with those possessed by teachers in general. Results are presented under the following headings: (1) qualifications of science teachers;…