Makes the case that geologic fieldwork requires more than knowledge of basic skills learned in the standard undergraduate curriculum. Argues that synthesis of the skills into a schema must be done before one can address the kinds of problems that arise when doing field investigations. Argues for the use of descriptive geometry and trigonometry in…

Elementary school children need hands-on experiences to understand science concepts. Computers can be used to store and analyze data collected by students, but educators seem to agree that students need to manipulate data themselves to really comprehend their discoveries. (DF)

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) describes a learning environment in which problems drive the learning; that is, learning begins with a problem to be solved and the problem is posed in such a way that students need to gain new knowledge before they can solve it. This ERIC Digest discusses many aspects of PBL including a brief history, implementing…

Strategies for developing hands-on learning activities for a camp nature program include working with themes, establishing goals, structuring time, providing a "hook," keeping instructions simple, and appropriately supervising campers. Includes ideas for nature themes, a sample learning activity, and suggestions for linking projects to…

Science education has often struggled to determine effective teaching methodologies and learning strategies. One promising field of research has been that of alternative frameworks. The research described in this paper describes how immersion in an unfamiliar environment and culture affected teacher learning, some of the significant experiences…

This document describes some of the prominent beliefs about how students construct knowledge. These beliefs are guiding principles that teachers can use to implement instructional strategies that facilitate learning. Instructional examples in mathematics and science follow each principle to help the reader envision how the principle promotes…

Described is the Vale Interactive Science and Technology Adventure (VISTA) center that caters specifically to primary school students, involves concepts and skills from the National Curriculum, and researches playing children's patterns of learning. The plans for the future and early descriptions of students reactions are reported. (KR)

This book describes acclimatization, an approach to nature education that actively involves participants in the environment during a 1-week summer camping experience. The goal is to stimulate awareness of nature, increase appreciation of nature, and motivate further involvement with nature. An outcome of this process is that participants…

The goal of this paper is to sketch the epistemological roots of constructivism, to clarify certain implications of Piaget's constructivist theory for science education, and to explicate the issues surrounding a specific research study and its replication. Constructivist epistemology is described in terms of its emergence from rationalist,…

Reviews empirical studies of outdoor education's impact on cognitive development. Research findings are presented on the subject areas of environmental education, general science, and language development. A cautionary synthesis of research related to learning in the out-of-doors is also offered. (ML)

Although museums are considered optimal venues for informal learning, this study concludes that most school classes visiting museums are restricted and structured, teachers use mainly task-orientated teaching practices, and the museum activities are rarely linked to topics being studied at school. A research-based framework to guide teachers in…

The use of the inquiry approach in the teaching of elementary science is examined and advocated in this publication. The position that an inquiry approach is the best way to teach and learn science is upheld and its influence on the development of positive attitudes towards science is stressed. Section titles include: (1) "A Tale of Two Teachers"…

Provides an overview of the interdisciplinary science, student, and value-oriented approach of the Israeli Environmental Education Project (IEEP). Presents the projects learning model which identifies the scope of the studies, student activities, teaching strategies, content, and the four curriculum units. (ML)

A major emphasis in technology education is learning the practices of designers-making informed decisions, trading off achievement of criteria against each other, working in a team, communicating ideas and results, and so on. How can one help students learn such ill-defined and open-ended skills? There have been a variety of suggestions made by…