Theory and practice are an odd couple. There is little doubt that theory deserves a place within today's primary classrooms. Pring (2004) suggests that theory is perceived as having come adrift from common sense. It is easy to see how, swept along in the daily pressures of the job, busy classroom teachers may question the relevance of seemingly…

Presented are seven articles (reprinted from "The Exploratorium" magazine) which focus on the scientific explanations for the specific (and oftentimes peculiar) instructions and procedures called for in many recipes. "Baking, Boiling, and Other Hot Topics" (Joel Myerson) discusses different methods of cooking. "The…

Two major questions investigated were: (A) Why do elementary and secondary students in Utah like science subjects; and (B) Are there any differences in reasons why students like science subjects related to type of school, age of students, and student gender. The investigation included roughly 2,000 pupils evenly distributed from grades six through…

Following a list of six recommendations of the 1970 International Conference on Education for Physics Teaching, summarizes content and conclusions of major sessions of the 1980 Conference. Sessions focused on teaching interactions, concepts and misconceptions; evaluation and assessment, constraints and realities of physics instruction, and…

Outlines three projects which have been designed for teaching electronics to ages 11-13, 13-16, and 16-18. Aims, content, approach, and equipment are discussed with guidelines for teacher use. Indicates that work with microprocessors (alongside Nuffield style analogue work) should help digital electronics receive greater emphasis in secondary…

Explains plausible strategies for introducing biotechnology into a science curricula through a microbiology course. Teaching strategies for large mixed-ability groups are presented. Concept maps, games, activities and materials references are included. (ML)

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,…

This teaching guide provides background information, instructions, and copies of sample cards needed for an image walk, a series of demonstrations and activities that reveal the images carried by sunlight. The three cards are used: (1) to demonstrate that sunlight passing through holes of any shape create round spots of light--images of the sun;…

Investigated the development of formal reasoning among students (ages 10-18 years) from predominately White, middle-class communities located in rural, suburban homogeneous, and suburban heterogeneous areas. Results indicate clear differences among communities in formal reasoning ability. Implications for using science instruction to promote…

Addresses the need for providing science education for all children throughout the years of compulsory school, including students with physical impairments. Describes several modifications of equipment that can enable students with visual and orthopedic handicaps to do science activities. Lists some special modules that have been developed for…

Overviews the "Nuffield Coordinated Sciences" program. Discusses the aim, coordination of content, presentation, and the writing timetable. (YP)

Designed for use by science teachers, this document provides selected lists of computer software collected by the Science and Mathematics Software (SAMS) lab at Florida State University. The commercially available software is compiled under the subject areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. Each list provides: (1) recommended grade level; (2)…

Discusses the potential for teaching science through dramatic presentations. Describes such efforts in England that involve the professional theatre, those that are developments of the lecture demonstration, and those that use a competitive element. (TW)

Described and assessed was the teacher's role in three elementary school science programs which included hands-on learning experiences for the students. Results indicated that this role varied with the manner in which hands-on materials were used in the program. (CW)

Sixty hearing-impaired students, aged 12-22, studied one of four instructional formats describing basic science concepts. Comprehension gains were measured using a pretest-posttest procedure. Formats which featured highly pictorial content and simplified English produced significantly higher mean gain scores than formats with less pictorial…