Animated pedagogical agents (APAs) have the potential to provide one-on-one, just-in-time instruction, guidance or mentoring in classrooms where such individualized human interactions may be infeasible. Much current APA research focuses on a wide range of design variables tested with small samples or in laboratory settings, while overlooking…

The purpose of this study was to explore a new learning environment instrument which could be used by teaching practitioners and other educators to measure the language learning environment in the secondary science classroom. The science teacher is central in creating science classrooms conductive to the language needs of students and should be…

This document describes science benchmarks for grades K-8 in Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Each subject area is divided into topics followed by a short content description and grade level information. Source documents for this paper included science content guides from California, Ohio, South Carolina, and South…

Provides an overview of the problems, unanswered questions, proposed solutions, and reform efforts in science education. (ZWH)

The Pacific Mathematics and Science Regional Consortium has developed standards for excellence in mathematics and science education appropriate to the Pacific regions. These standards are presented in three volumes, and the series is firmly based upon the research findings of scientists, teachers, curriculum developers, and others. This volume…

As a result of rapid growth and changes in the student body, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has been engaged in a complete review and revision of its educational system since 1978. As part of this process, the Arts and Sciences Task Force (ASTF) was formed in 1980 to revitalize the liberal arts and science. The ASTF has…

In 1998, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) launched an ambitious effort to create on-line science courses for K-12 educators that would immerse them in exciting science topics and give them access to the Museum's scientific resources (scientists, research, expeditions, collections, and exhibitions). This project, called Seminars on…

This Evaluation Brief examines the BSCS approach to improving secondary science education, and illuminates some of the lessons learned from its five years of work with districts across the nation. It highlights selected findings from the full study report and discusses the broader implications for the field. Specifically, this Brief examines the…

One of a series of documents produced by a collaborative curriculum development project in Austtralia, this book is designed to assist in the improvement of teaching and learning science and to provide a common language for reporting student achievement. The book begins with a chart presenting curricular outcomes. The book is then divided into…

Discussed are three themes related to changes taking place in secondary school education in Great Britain. The themes considered are curriculum, assessment, and school organization. (RH)

Proposes doing away with dimensions and replacing them with base units, extending the checking of feasibility of equations and deriving relationships to base units. (JM)

Discusses why polymer chemistry should be added to the general chemistry curriculum and what topics are appropriate (listing traditional with related polymer topics). Also discusses when and how these topics should be taught. (JN)

The Animal Awareness club is designed to make humane education an integral part of the classroom. Reported is the format, evaluation, and follow-up materials for an animal awareness club. (Author/DS)

Outlines teaching methods that emphasize the use of the right hemisphere of the brain. Argues that most productive thinking requires both modes of thinking and that any good elementary science program should include activities designed to develop both modes. (Author/IRT)

Presents a five-year plan to produce specific and detailed proposals to influence curriculum practice. (MKR)