Writing/drawing activities, picture quizzes, and questionnaires of elementary school children in England and Australia found that the high profile of design and make in the England and Wales Technology National Curriculum was reflected by children's emphasis on model-making, an aspect generally ignored by Australian children. (34 references)…

This paper describes the evaluation of three curriculum models to teach technology. The three modules present technology as a design process involving problem identification and analysis; generation and evaluation of alternative solutions; planning and construction of models; and trialing, modification and evaluation. Participating pupil's…

Explores primary teachers' perceptions of technology. Findings indicate that the perceptions held by primary teachers ranged from technology as the application of science to designing and making artifacts, and many teachers appeared to be confused about the relationship between the National Curriculum view of technology and that held by general…

A study of 315 English and 745 Australian elementary school students investigated their conceptions of technology. Found that though they shared a similar range of concepts explaining technology, the frequency of concepts varied. Results suggest that rates of concept formation differ because of interrelated factors: home and school influence,…

Outlines changes that have taken place in research methods that addressed the informal learning of science, particularly in the museum sector. Addresses perspective shifts, examines current issues, and suggests future directions for research. (Contains 63 references.) (SOE)

Synthesizes educational research about learning in interactive science and technology centers, museums, aquaria, and zoos, and distills from it guidelines for science teachers to ensure that class visits enhance the learning for their students. Topics covered include visitor behavior, interacting with exhibits, visit structure, social context,…

Reports an investigation of the perceptions of technology of teachers who are the heads of their school science departments. Relates these perceptions with those of a sample of 13-year-old pupils. Reveals that many teachers have a restricted view of technology. Discusses the implications of findings for curriculum change. (CW)