The learning sciences, as an academic community investigating human learning, emerged more than 30 years ago. Since then, graduate learning sciences programs have been established worldwide. Little is currently known, however, about their disciplinary backgrounds and the topics and research methods they address. In this document analysis of the…

Despite widespread recognition among policy makers, educational leaders, and the nation as a whole of the importance of science, engineering, and technology as drivers of the future of the country and society, the science achievement of America's students is mediocre at best, in comparison to that of international peers. On the 2012 PISA tests in…

This article presents a systematic review of research on the achievement outcomes of all types of approaches to teaching science in elementary schools. Study inclusion criteria included use of randomized or matched control groups, a study duration of at least 4 weeks, and use of achievement measures independent of the experimental treatment. A…

This article reports a systematic review of research on science programs in grades 6-12. Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria including use of randomized or matched assignment to conditions, measures that assess content emphasized equally in experimental and control groups, and a duration of at least 12 weeks. Programs fell into four…

Two leading science educators provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-field analysis of current trends in the research, policy, and practice of science education. This book offers valuable insights into why gaps in science achievement among racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups persist, and points toward practical means of…

Presented is a review of the professional literature concerning the value of science education for mildly retarded students. (CS)

Presents an overview of current reform efforts in elementary and secondary science education. Discusses teaching strategies that promote scientific literacy, providing science-learning opportunities for all students, new assessment techniques, important aspects of science-teacher education, systemic reform programs sponsored by the National…

This report is issued to citizens of Utah to inform them on the progress being made in the state toward the national education goals, established in 1989. Because the goals are "cradle to grave" and cover the preschool years and the afterschool years, the information has been compiled by many state agencies. The report devotes a section…

This paper addresses the problem of an inadequate science teaching approach at a time when students need to be familiar with, and be able to understand, global problems and personal problems delving into complex, interrelated issues based on the science of a living universe. This report focuses on research about the problems in science education,…

Outlines current practices and future trends for science education in Thailand. Advocates a change in the teacher's role to that of facilitator and the increased incorporation of technology and multimedia approaches to science education. (WRM)

Papers presented at a conference of science educators from 26 countries organized to discuss world trends in science education are compiled in this publication. Section titles are: (1) Perspectives on Science Education - Some Major Trends (9 papers); (2) Science Curriculum Development for the Future - A Look at Some of the Issues (7 papers); (3)…

This report presents a literature review of elementary science and design technology education research. The review is intended to provide direction to the elementary science working groups charged with the responsibility to revise the "Alberta Elementary Science Program" (1996) by reflecting current ideas reported in research…

Thirty-four authors have joined to produce this book. Among them are natural and physical scientists, psychologists, historians, writers, scholars of curriculum and instruction, teacher educators, and teachers of the young. The contributors probe many methodologies including the place of unified concepts and processes; the interaction of the…

This paper studies the needs and strengths of rural schools with the intent of improving rural science education. It examines the history of rural schools, and posits a rural-to-urban continuum of characteristics, citing studies that indicate rural schools are more effective in some ways than urban schools. The paper looks at needs of rural/small…