Science education can be alienating for students, as it is apart from the mundane world with which they are familiar. Science education research has approached the gap between everyday understandings and science learning largely as a challenge arising while learning about science concepts and the kinds of instructional approaches that may support…

The impulse to investigate the natural world is deeply rooted in our earliest childhood experiences. This notion has long guided researchers to uncover the cognitive mechanisms underlying the development of scientific reasoning in children. Until recently, however, research in cognitive development and education followed largely independent…

This is the second "Center Spot" devoted to Jan Hoffman's "Shoe Box Science," a program that organizes manipulative materials so that children can identify, describe, order, construct, name and distinguish on their own.

A comparison of three methods used in teaching science with a discussion of the meaning of these terms and the psychological assumptions which are used to justify them. (DF)

Stresses the importance of learner involvement, and adult patience and understanding, for a child's success in learning and consequently in living. (EB)

Discusses methods for introducing young children to the study of ecology. (PB)

Describes typical winter farm lessons for students visiting Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center located 70 miles north of New York City: butter and corncake making, soil erosion experiments, dissecting and growing seeds. Emphasizes major theme of conservation of farmland from destructive farming practices and careless development. (NEC)

Presents part of a new series aimed at providing exploratory activities for preschool children as they seek to become acquainted with the world in which they live. (Author/EB)

First of a series showing ways in which the preschool setting can provide exploratory activities for the young child seeking to become acquainted with the world about him. Suggests ways to present the concepts of climate, clean air, personal space, and noise level. (EB)

Three activities for involving students in projects that incorporate writing, drawing and recording their findings are included. The discovery approach is emphasized. (EB)

The new role of the museum science center in science education is presented. Various innovative programs for amateurs, aspiring scientists, and casual visitors at several leading science centers are discussed. (SA)

Like writing workshops, math and science workshops create flexible environments where students actively learn, share, and explore concepts at their own pace. Format consists of a mini-lesson, an activity period, and reflection. Teacher- and student-directed varieties are explained and compared. (Contains 18 references.) (MLH)

Described is the nature of scientific enterprise, the nature of thinking and problem solving, and the nature of science as an adventure. It is suggested that teachers of science could use this book to help make science education a liberating and intellectually stimulating experience. It is a book which treats exhaustively the theoretical and…

Describes a nature studies program for fourth graders which prepares them for study of the natural sciences in later years. Emphasized are observations in nature, performance of simple experiments, and use of various instruments. (AV)

Describes a science program designed for gifted seventh and eighth grade students. Includes curriculum guidelines; implementation, development, and evaluation of the program. (MA)