Reported is a method of investigating thought processes of an 11-year-old girl concerning physical phenomena such as those underlying the operations of scientific apparatus--platform balance, the spring balance, the magnet, and the pendulum. It was discovered during a period of interviews that the subject's thought processes developed in such a…

The purpose of this study was to examine possible relationships between moral and cognitive development in second- and fifth-grade children. Sixty children were used in the study. Levels of cognitive development were evaluated using four learning tasks and moral development was assessed by presenting four conflicting situations to each subject for…

This review was undertaken to determine whether there is evidence to support the reality of a stage of Formal Operational Thought, whether there is agreement as to the Age of Acquisition of it, and the effect of schooling on the acquisition of the ability to perform formal operational tasks. An extensive review of the literature, including many…

Using student ability, measured by grade point average and cognitive structure, as measured by the number of high school and college courses in science and mathematics, as predictor variables, the investigator attempted to determine the reliability of the use of advance organizers to enhance the retention of meaningful concepts. Students enrolled…

Reported is a study related to diagnosing elements of propositional thinking in the cognitive functioning of 62 sixth- and seventh-grade students. The rationale is based on the work of Piaget and others. Instruments used to diagnose levels of abstract thinking involved using computer simulated experiments (CSE). The direct and indirect effects of…

Some science educators who are interested in conceptual development have considered the phenomenon of student misconceptions and alternative frameworks. Researchers have used a variety of terms to describe the situation in which students' ideas differ from those of a scientist about a particular concept. This digest was produced to briefly…

Reported is a research project which investigated whether junior high students in the Ithaca, New York, area can acquire and use the "concept mapping" and "Gowin's 'V' mapping" strategies to facilitate meaningful learning. Concept mapping involves the identification, hierarchical organization, and graphic depiction of…

This study attempted to determine if there was a stable and preferred mode of perceptual organization and conceptual classification of stimuli which influenced the ability of female pre-service elementary teachers to acquire the science concepts presented in a general elementary credential preparation course. It is an example of ex post facto…

Describes a study which was designed to determine the effect of a 25-hour introductory qualitative analysis course on high school students' understanding of formal concepts related to electrolytes. Suggests that introductory concrete experiences better prepare students to deal with more formal abstract concepts. (TW)

Discusses the process of increasing academic standards of students and broadening their knowledge in a balanced science education program. Describes assessment levels of knowledge with understanding and the basis for choosing course content material. Cites problems arising from management of project. (RT)