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…

In 1978 Congress directed the National Science Foundation to conduct a national needs assessment of science education in two-year colleges. Volume I of the final report describes the design of the study, the findings, and the recommendations. A separate volume, Volume II (SE 033 604), contains appendices which provide supporting materials, as well…

Volume II of a national needs assessment of science education in two-year colleges, consists of six appendices which provide supporting material and supplementary tabulations of data related to the study described in Volume I (SE 033 603). Appendices A, B, and C consist of descriptions of the following in subsequent order: sample design and the…

The results of an assessment of science performance of students enrolled in grades 4, 8 and 12 in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1978 are reported. Separate panels interpreted the results for each grade level, and, based on these interpretations, four general recommendations were proposed to improve science education. In addition to a summary of…

This paper describes a framework for studying and evaluating learning environments which contextualize school science content within a larger real-world scientific endeavor, such as carrying on a space mission. A central feature of this framework is its incorporation of recent research on content-specific personal interest. This framework was…

Suggests a way to change the role of physics teacher. Discusses the teacher as a coach, reducing anxiety, team cooperation, and a grading system including "forgiving learning" which recognizes student's progress. (YP)

Describes one successful secondary science model involving a child-centered plan of instruction that uses several nontest evaluation and documentation strategies to verify mastery of essential elements. (MS)

This paper presents the designs underlying an IPI approach to ninth grade science implemented in the Jamesville-DeWitt schools in New York State. Briefly described are the generalizable instructional model, evaluation systems for assessing individual performance and the effectiveness of the instructional program and the support systems which make…