The objective of this study was to compare data on preservice and inservice elementary teachers' attitudes toward science and science instruction. Four attitudes were assessed: (1) science as a male domain; (2) science usefulness; (3) confidence in teaching; and (4) effectance motivation (liking of science). These measures were selected since they…

An experiment was conducted that compared the teaching effectiveness of a computer assisted instructional module and a lecture-discussion. The module, Predator Functional Response (PFR), was developed as part of the SUMIT (Single-concept User-adaptable Microcomputer-based Instructional Technique) project. A class of 30 students was randomly…

This paper examines, from the perspective of the teacher, the relatively unimportant place of science in the elementary school curriculum. Two case studies of science education (of eight commissioned by the Science Council of Canada) provided data about science instruction in the K-6 elementary setting. Data were collected by observations made…

Various individuals have expressed the opinion that South African school children are insufficiently trained in environmental education. This study is an attempt to assess the situation in secondary schools under the control of the Transvaal Education Department. Special attention is paid to the teaching of biology and geography as vehicles for…

One area explored in the second (in-depth) phase of the Learning in Science Project was "children's science," defined as views of the world and the meanings for words that children have and bring with them to science lessons. The investigation reported focuses on students' (N=39) ideas on the concept of "animal." Data were…

This article describes the rationale for and development of a computer-based instrument that helps identify commonly held science misconceptions. The instrument, known as the Science Beliefs Test, is a 47-item instrument that targets topics in chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and astronomy. The use of an online data collection system…

We are teacher educators (in elementary science and mathematics) who are enthusiastic about technology as a teaching tool--though it is as new to us as it is to our university colleagues. We recently led a United States Department of Education Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grant project entitled TechLinks. In an effort to…

Intended mainly for use in the intermediate grades, this document provides demonstrations, field trips and laboratory experiences designed to help students investigate the role that people play in problems associated with environmental quality, pollution, and ecology in general. The book was developed as an alternative program to the regular sixth…

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Fairfax County, Virginia) offers a comprehensive college preparatory program emphasizing the sciences, mathematics, and technology. The school serves students selected on the basis of aptitude and interest in the biological, physical, mathematical, and computer sciences, and who intend…

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Fairfax County, Virginia) offers a comprehensive college preparatory program emphasizing the sciences, mathematics, and technology. The school serves students selected on the basis of aptitude and interest in the biological, physical, mathematical, and computer sciences, and who intend…

This elementary school teaching unit was developed as a part of a series of teaching units that deal with Lake Erie. This unit was developed to enable children to: (1) identify the Great Lakes and pick out Lake Erie on a map; (2) demonstrate knowledge of Lake Erie's origin and geography; (3) list some uses of Lake Erie; and (4) give examples of…

The basic purpose of the cooperative research project was to study the level of reasoning skills in junior high school students in Japan and the United States (grades 7, 8, and 9). This study examined the relationships among logical thinking skills, integrated process skills, and attitudes of junior high school students in North Carolina.…

Most educators feel that it is important to provide novice teachers with in-service training at the beginning of their teaching careers, and to continue with such programs throughout their professional lives. With this in mind, this document outlines a proposed in-service teacher education program for Japan. The paper considers the creation of…

Interest in a science fair is low when students feel undirected and lack the information they need to produce a successful project. For many students, parents, and teachers, planning and carrying out a science fair project may be very frustrating. This book is designed to be a reference that helps teachers guide students through this process. The…

This resource guide lists 47 computer software and 29 instructional video programs recommended for use in grades K through 12 to help teachers achieve the learning objectives set forth by their school districts and the State of California. Programs are organized in six curriculum areas: foreign language, history-social science, language arts,…