This article presents a systematic review of research on the achievement outcomes of all types of approaches to teaching science in elementary schools. Study inclusion criteria included use of randomized or matched control groups, a study duration of at least 4 weeks, and use of achievement measures independent of the experimental treatment. A…

Evaluation as a particular kind of investigated discipline is distinguished from, for example, traditional empirical research in the social sciences or from literary criticism, criminalistics, or investigative reporting, partly by its extraordinary multidisciplinarity (Scrivens, 1991, p. 141). It is this unique multidisciplinary feature of…

A college professor who desired to practice what she preached and an elementary teacher who wanted to observe a hands-on science curriculum on a day-to-day basis form a teaching partnership. They offer insights on their successes, obstacles, and methods for improving hands-on science programs. (ZWH)

The author recently conducted a case study describing the process a suburban Ohio school district underwent when adopting a new elementary science program. The district's seven elementary schools moved from a "totally inquiry-based science program" in 1995 to a hybrid program of "inquiry-based and textbook science program" in…

Describes a cooperative venture between a college faculty member and elementary school students/teachers. Each year the faculty member presents two basic physics assembly programs at the school (one for upper and one for lower grades). Includes examples of assembly activities and summary of 1977-1982 teachers' evaluations of the program. (JN)

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Determined: (1) if teachers who participated in "Science Teaching and Development of Reasoning" workshops felt they utilized workshop ideas in changing teaching style/methods; (2) if nature and extent of changes made were consistent with workshop intent/philosophy; and (3) factors teachers perceived as facilitating or hindering their…