Previous research has linked inquiry-based science instruction (i.e., science instruction that engages students in doing science rather than just learning about science) with greater gains in student learning than text-book based methods (Vanosdall, Klentschy, Hedges & Weisbaum, 2007; Banilower, 2007; Ferguson 2009; Bredderman, 1983;…

Two leading science educators provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-field analysis of current trends in the research, policy, and practice of science education. This book offers valuable insights into why gaps in science achievement among racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups persist, and points toward practical means of…

Reports the results of a study designed to determine if the values and practices of science teachers and science graduates studying for a diploma in education are congruent with the values upon which the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) materials are based. (JR)

Discusses the findings of a study designed to determine the frequency with which elementary teachers (n=21) taught science over a four week period, and which teaching strategies they utilized during that time frame one year after extensive inservice training. Results revealed that 61% of the responding teachers taught science 16 or more times over…

Describes a small-scale study of a course that placed emphasis on context- and activity-based science. The Salters' science course makes use of a wide range of learning strategies. Author concludes that pupils' interest and enthusiasm for school science may be increased through a combination of using pupil's everyday interests and employing a wide…

Reviews the state of the art in current science education in terms of curriculum development, instructional procedures, and teacher training programs. Indicates that science education researchers should stop tinkering with piecemeal studies and start delineating the dimensions of dependent and independent variables in new curricula and pupils'…

This research project consists of a randomized experiment in St. Petersburg Catholic Schools. The question being addressed by the research is whether "Scott Foresman Science" is as effective as the current curricula being used in the participating campuses of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg. The research focuses on 3rd, 4th,…

This research project consists of a randomized experiment in Visalia Unified School District. The question being addressed by the research is whether "Scott Foresman Science" is as effective as or more effective than the curriculum being used at each site. Since Scott Foresman Science provides a significant reading component, the authors…

This research project consists of a randomized experiment in Ogden City School District. The primary purpose of this research is to produce scientifically based evidence of the comparative effectiveness of the "Scott Foresman" program. The question being addressed by the research is whether the "Scott Foresman" program is more…

Pearson Education contracted with Empirical Education Inc. to conduct five randomized experiments to determine the effectiveness of its "Scott Foresman Science" ("SFScience") curriculum and associated materials. This report addresses the experiment in Federal Way Public Schools in Washington State. The primary purpose of this…

In this paper, the authors' investigated whether "Scott Foresman Science" program, a year-long curriculum intended for daily use that provides a sequence of structured and supportive inquiry activities and text materials to develop students' independent investigative skills, is more effective than current science programs in five diverse…

In this paper, the authors' investigated whether "Scott Foresman Science" program, a year-long curriculum intended for daily use that provides a sequence of structured and supportive inquiry activities and text materials to develop students' independent investigative skills, is more effective than current science programs in five diverse…

Describes a study of a collaborative project in which science education faculty and upper elementary school teachers investigated the potential of a project based, technology rich, environmentally oriented approach to science education in an urban school. Discusses research methods and teacher responses to the computers and/or telecommunications…

The purposes of this study were to investigate: (1) effectiveness of three small group teaching methods on the acquisition and retention of seriation abilities; (2) transfer of seriation abilities using the three treatments; and (3) relationship between visual and nonvisual seriation abilities. One hundred twenty first grade Canadian students were…

These hearings focused on topics and issues related to the status, quality, and improvement of K-12 science and mathematics in the Pittsburgh area. Science and mathematics teachers, school administrators, school board members, industry leaders, and college officials provided a firsthand description of the nature and direction of science and…