Studied two groups of preschoolers taught observational skills by the Montessori method or Science-A Process Approach (SAPA) curriculum. Found no significant difference in competence level between groups, but the SAPA children acquired observational skills in a shorter period of time. (MLH)

Two groups of fourth graders performed a science activity. The treatment group first watched a filmed explanation of the activity by selected students from the class; the control group did not watch the film. The treatment group generated significantly more positive behaviors and less negative behaviors in the activity. (MLH)

In a pilot study designed to determine whether fourth-grade students can acquire a set of behaviors related to performing certain laboratory activities, 22 students were randomly assigned to either a film-mediated modeling treatment or a control. Students in the treatment viewed a videotape model showing peer leaders engaging in the steps of an…

Describes science activities used in an eighth grade class such as metric measurement exercises, classification problems, experiments with batteries and bulbs and a series of activities concerning chemical reactions. (BR)

Examines the effect of three different modes of task orientation on observational attainment in practical chemistry. Results include the overall performance on the chemistry observation test and an analysis of the influence of the complexity of observational tasks on observational attainment. (Author/GS)

A learning activity is described in which the children become involved in dialogs with the Earth and its resources, and in turn the eye reads the surroundings and becomes more skilled at observation. (EB)

Explains that in teaching scientific concepts in the elementary school the focus should be on observations and inferences, that can be drawn only from observation, suitable to the childrens' mental maturity, and carried out in an environment that reinforces discovery learning. (GA)

A possible use of toy gliders to introduce elementary school children to flight and to sharpen their skills of observation is given. (MR)

Investigated was the retention of the skills of observation and comparison in junior high school students in a rural junior high school and an urban setting. Data obtained showed a consistently high degree of retention for both skills (although degree of retention was higher for observation than for comparison skills) regardless of treatment…

This is a continuation of the report on a study of skill retention (observation and comparison) in junior high school students. (See SE 511 538 for additional information.) Reported in this article is an investigation to determine if the skills retained could be transferred to a new set of scientific objects. Results appeared to show that both…