Building a robot from scratch in an educational context can be a challenging prospect. While a multitude of projects exist that simplify the electronics and software aspects of a robot, the same cannot be said for construction systems for robotics. In this paper, we present our efforts to create a low-cost do-it-yourself construction system for…

This study investigated the use of a contextually sensitive instrument to assess the effect of invasive species monitoring training on the scientific literacy of citizen volunteers. The authors measured scientific literacy scores before and after 57 citizens participated in a 2-day event to learn to monitor invasive species with an instrument…

Examines the practice of holding competitive science fairs. Offers suggestions on judging, competition and recognition, student participation, and alternative experiences. (MA)

Describes a student-designed project to determine the increase in tension level among secondary school students induced by the prospect of having to take school examinations. (PB)

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Science Project encompasses three countries--Australia, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the United States. It is considered Phase II of the project, with a Mathematics Study completed in 1967 as Phase I. A background paper is presented to include in tabulated…

Describes physics project of the sixth-year of secondary schools in Scotland. The article also discusses: (1) aims of the Scottish certificate of sixth-year studies (CSYS); (2) teacher's role; and (3) method of teaching physics projects. (HM)

The purpose of this booklet is to discuss how the curriculum is changing and what assessment methods are needed to monitor and measure the performance of students in the restructured science curriculum. Sections in this booklet include: (1) The need for alternate assessment, (2) Performance assessment, (3) Observation and questioning, (4)…

Summarizes the result of a subjective evaluation of the Nuffield Primary Science Project, including teacher reaction and the progress of the students in later years of schooling. (AL)

The validity of statements by various "national curriculum projects" concerning the availability of research evidence to support their claims for the attainment of their objectives is questioned. Evaluation procedures employed by these various curriculum development groups are criticized for lack of empirical data. Obtaining such data is…

In the major article in this issue of the "Newsletter of the Engineering Concepts Curriculum Project (ECCP)," Hurd examines the current trends in science education in the United States and lists eight priority needs for science programs in the 1970's. These priority needs are closely related to the necessity of solving science-based…

The content, instructional methods, and exams, as well as justification for the adoption of the science program, are presented. (CP)

Preliminary evaluation report describes two distinct portions of the unit Pushes and Pulls'' in Australian Science Education Project materials. The first portion of the unit is highly structured and the second completely devoid of structure. A detailed description of content analysis technique used is included. (PS)

Reported is an evaluation study of elementary school children's achievement of Science A Process Approach (SAPA) in grade four. A group test consisting of several tasks, providing immediate feedback on overall class performance was undertaken. The tasks focused on behaviors and provided for assessment of transfer of learning and ability to…

This paper presents the theoretical basis for the model of individualization used in an elementary-school science program and describes the Individualized Science (IS) individualized-learning management system, which is an operational realization of the model. The science content and science learning goals of the curriculum reflect the authors'…

This instrument contains activities by which one can determine a child's intellectual development in: (1) observing, (2) classifying, (3) measuring, (4) using numbers, (5) using space/time relationships, (6) inferring, and (7) communicating and predicting. The seven sections of the instrument correspond to those processes defined in Science - A…