Informal science education (ISE) experiences can provide powerful opportunities for people with disabilities to experience and learn about science. When designed to be inclusive, such experiences can lead people with disabilities to feel competent and empowered as science learners, generate excitement and enthusiasm for science, and be equitable…

Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Reviews studies which focused on various aspects of pre-college student science training programs, pointing out that the programs have had impact on such areas as facilitating academic and career opportunities, increasing subject matter competencies, increasing laboratory skills, changing attitudes in a positive direction, and enhancing students'…

Questionnaire responses from 193 high schools indicate that very few science teachers use microcomputers regularly in classrooms. Descriptions of schools/science departments, background information on faculty using microcomputers, and nature/extent of utilization are discussed along with possible causes of limited use and recommendations for…

Posner's theory of conceptual change forms the background for this study which focuses upon conceptual ecology, specifically upon the heuristics children appear to employ in sense-making. The study focuses upon two children who demonstrate remarkably different sense-making heuristics; a recognizably scientific one and one that involves the…

The purpose of this study is to examine patterns of implementation of an inquiry-oriented science program for elementary school students. Project SEED (Science for Early Education Development) is a hands-on science education program for elementary school students in grades kindergarten through 5th. Teachers in 20 elementary schools in Pasadena…

In 1981 a meta-analysis of research in science education was completed by a team of researchers under the direction of Ronald Anderson at the University of Colorado. Individual teams synthesized the extant research using meta-analysis procedures. One of the syntheses showed that the post-Sputnik or "new" science programs on the whole…

Examined trends in teachers' recommendations for changing elementary and junior high school science programs between 1978 and 1982. Results discussed are based on responses of British Columbia teachers- 3,040 teachers in 1978 and 1,631 in 1982, with return rates ranging from 77.5 percent to 85 percent. (JN)

Examined ability levels, attitudes, expectations, and affective outcomes of junior high students (N=147) who voluntarily enrolled in extracurricular science activities at Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel). Results indicate that for high ability students there is a need for theoretical and experimental independent study which can be found in…

Describes 15 innovative college science programs identified by the Society of College Science Teachers. Gives nine generalizations regarding the programs. (YP)

Described is a summer workshop for college and high school educators designed to raise the level of expertise of the participants and to raise their awareness of physiology and medical opportunities for their students. The objectives, organization, schedule, content, credit, financial considerations, and evaluation of the program are discussed.…

Presented is a checklist for use by science coordinators, school principals, science supervisors, and teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses of science programs in grades kindergarten through six. It can also be used by science coordinators during school visits. This guide contains space for recording information concerning: school name and…

Discusses the chemistry component of a five-week summer program for talented high school juniors and seniors at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences. Describes the chemistry core, lab component, team projects, and program results. (CW)

Student outcomes were assessed by quantitatively combining results of 57 reported evaluations of three major curriculum programs in elementary school science. Thirty-two percent of the comparisons were statistically significant, favoring activity-based programs; six percent favored control groups. (DH)

This document is a checklist for use by science coordinators, school principals, science department chairpersons and teachers in identifying strengths and weaknesses of science programs in middle and high schools. It can also be used by science coordinators during school visits. This guide contains space for recording information concerning:…