Assessment serves many purposes in the elementary classroom. Formative assessment, often called assessment for learning, is characterized by its primary purpose--promoting learning. It takes place both formally and informally, is embedded in various stages of an instructional cycle, informs the teacher about appropriate next steps for instruction,…

The Professor Harry Messel International Science School is organised by the Science Foundation for Physics within the University of Sydney. In 1968, the Foundation extended the participation to the UK and Japan and each country sends five scholars to the Science Schools, which are held every second year. Nowadays, scholars from Singapore,…

Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, in collaboration with the marine industry and local school systems, is improving STEM preparation using innovative experiences for students and teachers in the nation's major shipbuilding and repair areas through MarineTech and SBRCD (Shipbuilding Repair and Maritime Career Day) projects. The…

This paper demonstrates a methodology for effectively integrating computer-based learning tools in science teaching and learning. This methodology provides a means of systematic analysis to identify the capabilities of particular software tools and to formulate a series of competencies relevant to physical science that could be developed by means…

THIS SPECIAL ISSUE OF "PHYSICS TODAY" REVIEWS THE STATUS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICS, AS WELL AS COLLEGE PHYSICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE. SECONDARY LEVEL PROJECTS INCLUDE PHYSICAL SCIENCE STUDY COMMITTEE PHYSICS, HARVARD PROJECT PHYSICS, THE ENGINEERING CONCEPTS CURRICULUM PROJECT, AND THE NUFFIELD PROJECT. THOSE AT THE COLLEGE LEVEL…

Maintains that there are topics of thermodynamics and organic chemistry in Nuffield A-level chemistry program which should be reviewed critically for their content organization. The Nuffield course is considered better than the traditional courses in its educational value, yet highly biased for preparing students for college chemistry courses. (PS)

The achievement of content and understandings of the scientific enterprise of students in the Interaction of Matter and Energy Program (IME) and conventional physical science classes was compared. The experimental group consisted of 372 pupils from 13 classes while the control group had 275 students from 12 classes. Students were pre- and…

The study investigates the usefulness of teaching science courses that have a commonality of subject matter and a sequential patterning of operations. Introductory Physical Science (IPS) and CHEM Study courses were compared. The results indicated IPS is a useful background for CHEM Study. (BR)

This teacher's guide suggests a number of ways to use a spinning table to explore circular motion. Activities are described which are appropriate for children in kindergarten through third grade. Suggestions are made for exploratory activities using the equipment rather than supplying detailed instructions for formal activities. Equipment and…

This Guide provides teacher resource information for working with the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) unit Position and Motion. This unit continues the teaching program on space-time relations with the introduction of the idea of the reference frame. Introductory material includes discussions of reference frames, measurement in…

Presents philosophy and development of ESS, the Elementary Science Study, curriculum. (CP)