Describes and examines the effects of the eight-week Summer Science Training Program at the University of Iowa. There was no significant differences between students who had completed high school physics and those who had not on the final course examination, course grade, and attitudes toward physics. (Author/YP)

Reports on a study that examines how well middle school programs support the attainment of key scientific ideas specified in the national science standards. Identifies the typical strengths and weaknesses of these programs using research-based criteria. (Contains 88 references.) (DDR)

Investigated were factors affecting student choice of academic orientations in science in secondary schools of Israel. Selection of a physical science stream of course work was found to be related to socioeconomic background. (SL)

Examines effects of NSF institute participation by secondary teachers. Tests alternative hypotheses that (1) an increase in student achievement associated with teacher inservice work may be accompanied by more positive attitudes towards science; or (2) that teachers may increase their students' achievement at the expense of less positive science…

Findings reveal that students who are skillful in perceptual restructuring attain significantly higher mean achievement scores in science, in knowledge of science, and in the ability to apply what has been learned in unfamiliar contexts than students with low structuring ability. (Author/MA)