Describes the PowerTools Project, a partnership program between schools and research scientists at the University of Texas Health Center. Discusses the beginnings and the scaling up of the project. (JRH)

The Institute for Chemical Education (located on the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus) is offering revised and new courses for chemistry teachers and an expanded "chemistry camp" for middle school students. Teachers' courses will focus on: chemistry demonstrations; descriptive chemistry; chemistry activities; chemical instrumentation; and…

The Starbase-Atlantis case study describes a successful implementation of a hands-on science curriculum program based on a partnership between the U.S. Navy and local Title I elementary schools. The program has improved students' achievements in mathematics and science. (MMU)

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…

Describes a science program for honors students that offers a blend of both teacher-directed and student-directed activities. Includes information on instructional strategies used, independent student study projects, financial considerations, grading, and student reaction to the program. (JN)

This document reports on a science education reform program sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The program is an attempt to overhaul the reform efforts of the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, and participation in the project has been underway since 1994. Funds from the institute support teacher training in the use and…

This study, which deals with the status of science education in the middle schools of South Carolina, is intended to be useful in: (1) developing middle school science teacher preparation programs; (2) revising certification requirements for middle school science teachers; (3) planning staff development activities for middle school science…

The long term impact of inquiry-based science instruction is explored in this study that examines the relationship between an inquiry-based science program on students' attitudes towards science and interest in science careers several years after participation in the program. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long term effects of the…

Describes a year long laboratory program for third, fourth, and fifth graders. States the goal of the program is to demonstrate what chemistry is, how it is done, and why it is fun and interesting. Provides a syllabus of the experiments and lists educational objectives. (MVL)

Trying to change the predictive rule for the sinking and floating phenomena, students have a great difficulty in understanding density and they are insensitive to empirical counter-examples designed to challenge their own rule. The purpose of this study is to examine the process whereby students from sixth and seventh grades relinquish their…

The purpose of this study was to explore middle school students' perceptions of what factors facilitated their learning of science. Between 50 and 60 high-achieving middle school students were in residence on the University of South Florida campus for 12 consecutive days of study in the "World of Water" program. There were two sessions per summer…

As an effort to supplement the science which is taught in schools, this document describes the development and implementation of five out-of-school short courses for middle school children and their parents. The courses meet on Saturdays for five weeks and are intended to be taught at informal science learning sites such as zoos, science museums,…