In recent years educators and educational researchers in the U.S. have begun to introduce engineering design activities in secondary science classrooms for the purpose of scaffolding science learning as well as supporting such general problem-solving skills as decision making and working in teams. However, such curricula risk perpetuating a…

Examines the relative effectiveness of two different chemistry curricula. African American students enrolled in an inner-city high school who took ChemCom, a Science-Technology-Society-based science curriculum employing cooperative learning as an integral component, scored significantly higher gains on a standardized measure of chemistry…

Recent criticisms of science education in the United States led to a unique experience in the Conroe Independent School District in Texas. An evaluation committee of local professional and eminent scientists was established by the local superintendent to review and evaluate the adequacy of (1) the scope and sequence of science courses; (2)…

There are ways in which elementary teachers in general and rural elementary teachers in particular can overcome inadequate science preparation and can upgrade the science program resources of their small schools. Parents and children should be involved in obtaining free and inexpensive science-related materials throughout the year. These can be…

This manual serves as a resource for Design Labs in the Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) program. A Design Lab is not a customary "shop" where students receive training in woodworking, metalworking, and other crafts. Instead, when a construction need arises during USMES units, a Design Lab becomes the…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to change their classroom to make it a better place to live and study. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to determine the best information to use to quickly and easily identify an individual. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to find ways to improve or organize a Design Lab. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The Teacher Resource Book…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to grow plants and to determine some purpose for their use (transplanting, selling, gifts). The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to develop an outdoor area to help others appreciate nature. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The Teacher…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to find good ways to protect property (property in desks or lockers; animals; bicycles; tools). The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school…

This collection contains revised versions of 15 state-of-the-art papers and 7 commentaries given at the first conference of the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE). Each article surveys a single field relating to contemporary educational research in New Zealand, including the aims, methods, and significance of the studies…

Fourth in the series "101 Environmental Education Activities" by the Upper Mississippi River ECO-Center, the booklet contains 39 environment-based science activities directed to students in primary, intermediate, and junior high classes. Organization of the activities usually includes grade level, objectives, procedures, and materials,…

It is essential in communicative situations for teachers and students to have comparable percepts. A paucity of information is available on the percepts held by children regarding quantities and intervals of distance, height, weight, time, temperature and volume or on improvement (if any) that occurs as children mature. Teachers cannot be…

This book recounts the many challenges and successes achieved by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) from World War II to 1970. Included are: (1) the development of the National Science Foundation; (2) Cold War concerns about the loyalty and freedom of scientists; (3) efforts to develop an effective science curriculum…