Research-based digital games hold great potential to be effective tools in supporting next-generation science learning. However, as with all instructional materials, teachers significantly influence their implementation and contribute to their effectiveness. To more fully understand the contributions and challenges of teacher implementation of…

Curriculum materials serve as a key conceptual tool for science teachers, and better understanding how science teachers use these tools could help to improve both curriculum design and theory related to teacher learning and decision-making. The authors review the literature on teachers and science curriculum materials. The review is organised…

This article looks at how space can provide a context for the teaching of STEM subjects. It explores how space fits with the new curriculum, and outlines what resources are available for teachers from the National STEM Centre eLibrary. In November 2015, the UK sends its first official astronaut into space, Tim Peake. His mission can provide a…

Dynamic visualisations capture aspects of scientific phenomena that are difficult to communicate in static materials and benefit from well-designed scaffolds to succeed in classrooms. We review research to clarify the impacts of dynamic visualisations and to identify instructional scaffolds that mediate their success. We use meta-analysis to…

Describes a concrete model for teaching the concepts of reflection and refraction without the use of formal mathematics. The model has been tested in five sections of a physics course for nonscience majors at Towson State University, Baltimore, Maryland. (HM)

Presents the author's reasons for supporting the CHEMS program. Also characterizes aspects of his teaching regarded as significant in teaching chemistry, including prompt return of assignments, test retakes, videotaping. inclusion of organic chemistry, ability grouping of students, avoidance of specialization, and departmental testing. (CS)

Describes a survey which was designed to obtain information on acid rain education. Reviews results pertaining to instructional time, instructional topics, use of labs from a common resource guide, and preference of materials related to acid rain education. (ML)

Describes the status of teaching physics at Xaverian High School, Brooklyn, New York. The enrollment of students in physics, instructional materials, laboratory activities, and coordination between physics and mathematics are described. (HM)

This paper shows that more pupils take biology than the other sciences in England. Biology attracts pupils of all abilities and girls in particular. Performance data reported suggests that the study of biology is not as effective in enhancing science performance as are the physical sciences. (CW)

Discusses the orbit, motion, and phases of the moon. Describes three activities on the moon: "How Soon Can You See a Crescent Moon?"; "When is the Moon Visible?"; and "Lunar Eclipses." (YP)

The focus of this curriculum report is on the earth sciences in the K-12 curriculum. High technologies have combined to produce telecommunications, the newest aid and impetus to earth sciences education. Listed in this report are educational service organizations and individual schools that have this service. Included are the names, addresses, and…

This unit contains 15 lessons on Alaskan plants for fourth graders. It describes materials, supplementary materials, use of process skill terminology, unit objectives, vocabulary, background information about five kingdoms of living things, and a webbing activity. Included are: (1) "Roots in Action"; (2) "Chlorophyll"; (3)…

This unit includes 15 lessons on Alaskan plants and trees for third graders. It describes materials, supplementary materials including books and films, use of process skill terminology, unit objectives, vocabulary, background information (including the information source), field trip organization, succession, and major plants. Included are: (1)…

Discusses a study which examined the interpretive process used by high school chemistry teachers in translating curriculum materials into classroom practice. Results indicate that differences exist among teachers but that commonalities are greater. Explains the functional paradigm concept and its value for the interpretation of curriculum…