Physics First--a movement to invert the traditional science course sequence to teach physics at the ninth-grade level--is gaining interest. However, there is limited literature exploring how to support teachers in successfully implementing Physics First. To address this, a professional development (PD) program supporting a cadre of teacher-leaders…

In this study, five elementary teachers and a university researcher developed and implemented problem-based learning (PBL) experiences in the context of science teaching and learning. Collaborative inquiry was adopted as a methodology, while a variety of qualitative methods were used to examine the engagement and development of teachers'…

This study uses a sample of 454 teachers engaged in an inquiry science program to examine the effects of different characteristics of professional development on teachers' knowledge and their ability to implement the program. The authors analyzed results from a survey of teachers served by 28 professional development providers within a…

Investigates what two teachers learn from each other as they engage in the three-month coteaching of an engineering curriculum to Grades four and five. Provides direct and indirect evidence of teachers' knowledgability. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Discusses how to develop teacher subject knowledge for effective delivery of the program of study at the primary level. Indicates that providing teachers with the necessary skills and confidence is complex. Contains 27 references. (DDR)

This evaluation of mini-conferences conducted for Alabama teachers who completed training in the 1996 Summer Space Orientation for Professional Educators (SOPE) examines the effectiveness of follow-up sessions for teachers (N=69) and provides baseline data on teachers' knowledge of and attitudes toward teaching science. Conclusions about the 1996…

Reports on research that investigates the effect of teachers' sociological understanding of science on their design and implementation of curriculum innovations. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Reports on a survey that investigated inservice teacher education (K-12). Results indicate that professional development in environmental education is dominated by activity-based curricula, is primarily science-oriented rather than interdisciplinary, and is concerned more with environmental content than educational context. Argues that the…

This digest provides an overview of the Head Start on Science (HSS) program which is designed to encourage the science literacy of preschool children in Head Start programs and to improve the capacity of Head Start teachers, assistants, and parents. The overall goal of the HSS program is threefold: (1) to broaden HSS participants' science…

This study reports one investigation to better understand teachers' perspectives about teaching Science, Technology, and Society (STS). The study examined five teachers' perceptions of STS topics taught or not taught in their local schools. These teachers completed a summer workshop or an academic year class on STS. The curricula in the two STS…

Suggests that the curricular fit of climate change is best in Earth systems-oriented classrooms. Discusses the opposition to human-mediated climate change as a curriculum topic. (Contains 32 references.) (DDR)

This book reports on the findings of a 3-year research project, Learning in Science, carried out in New Zealand. It documents the teacher development process for a group of science teachers as they used new teaching activities to take into account students' thinking, constructivist views of learning, and alternative conceptions. The professional…

This summary outlines the National Science Education Standards, the guidelines which define the science content that all students should know and be able to do and which also provide guidelines for assessment of student understanding of the content. This document contains a definition of the National Science Education Standards, a rationale for…

Identifies and describes misconceptions held by preservice elementary teachers about the greenhouse effect, atmospheric ozone, and acid precipitation. (Contains 28 references.) (DDR)

This study focuses on a professional development program that employs action research as a strategy. The goals of the program include encouraging volunteer teachers to conduct research projects that can inform their understanding of student learning and achievement and increasing teachers' awareness of the value of disciplined inquiry to answer…