Whether the goal is to identify and describe trends and variation in populations, create new measures of key phenomena, or describe samples in studies aimed at identifying causal effects, description plays a critical role in the scientific process in general and education research in particular. Descriptive analysis identifies patterns in data to…

Discusses the adoption of a notation system that is generalizable to all instructional designers and will allow and encourage a common communication base. Ten instructional design models are discussed as systems approaches to instructional design. (JEG)

The purpose of a child's participation in a science fair is to experience learning. Seven steps to creating a successful project are described. (MT)

Discusses how research into the psychology of reading has been characterized by an emphasis on correspondence theories of truth rather than coherence, an emphasis on analytic reductionism rather than holism, an emphasis on probabilistic prediction, the search for robust-process explanations, and a concern for consilience. Presents some thoughts on…

Some basic tips on writing periodical articles about research are provided: (1) learn to work with scientists and (2) ask for appropriate background material before an interview. Research questions, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and verifying results are discussed. (MLW)

This book provides clear-cut insights along with practical suggestions on how to develop teaching competencies and strategies and implement inquiry as called for by the national standards. The chapters in this book take the reader through constructing an understanding of inquiry and the characteristics of an inquiry-based classroom, then address…

This document supports the integration of the scientific method not only into science teaching but also into the entire curriculum. It argues that the methods and attitudes that have made science the most productive enterprise of the past 300 years can be adapted to most areas of secondary education. The scientist's way of thinking is described,…

Hands-on archaeology in empty lots of recently razed structures is recommended as part of the curriculum for gifted elementary and secondary students. Guidelines for designing the educational experience include establishing expectations, forming working hypotheses, gridding the site, record keeping, artifact labeling, and producing a site report.…

A teacher of students with hearing impairments outlines ways to integrate use of the scientific method into science laboratory experiences. A sample experiment is outlined, and the value of the applied science experiences for students who are concrete learners is stressed. (DB)

This guide stems from concern that many classroom teachers have limited exposure to the scientific community in general and to the nature and method of science in particular. It offers guidelines and suggestions to plan, conduct, and evaluate summer mentorship programs and gives practical advice on establishing programs, garnering institutional…

This is a checklist of key items to get right when conducting a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an educational program or practice ("intervention"). It is intended as a practical resource for researchers and sponsors of research, describing items that are often critical to the success of a randomized controlled trial. A significant…

Describes four court cases involving confrontation between the theory of evolution and the theory of creation: the Scopes trial, the Seagraves trial, Arkansas Act 590, and the Louisiana law. Provides 64 references on the issue. (YP)

A child-centered model for elementary school gifted science education is proposed, utilizing an open environment, the scientific method, the teacher as facilitator, and techniques for affective development to attain scientific concepts, develop scientific skills, and foster appropriate scientific attitudes. (JDD)

College and university fund raisers are encouraged to test various strategies for direct-mail solicitation by comparing variations of five factors that influence direct mail response: copy; timing; package; offer; and list. Suggestions include forming a hypothesis, testing one variable at a time, choosing test and control groups carefully,…

Described is a course designed to teach the intellectual methods of science while also fostering the development of mature, critical, and skeptical thinking students. Discussed are the course syllabus, teaching philosophy and techniques, and observed results. (CW)