Presents the science demonstration assessment as an authentic- assessment technique to assess whether students understand basic science concepts and can use them to solve problems. Uses rubrics to prepare students for the assessment and to assign final grades. Provides examples of science demonstration assessments and the scoring of rubrics in the…

Describes the adoption of non-textbook-based materials for elementary science instruction in California. The necessary collaboration between educational technology, curriculum, and instructional professionals is discussed; integrated multimedia materials are described that include software, video, kits, and booklets; and the role of teachers and…

High-school chemistry students (n=96) were studied to compare the effects of two forms of instruction on science achievement and anxiety toward science: (1) cooperative controversy with science, technology, and society issues; and (2) individualized instruction. Analysis of variance indicated significant reduction in anxiety of students instructed…

Describes two simple methods of error analysis: (1) combining errors in the measured quantities; and (2) calculating the error or uncertainty in the slope of a straight-line graph. Discusses significance of the error in the comparison of experimental results with some known value. (MDH)

Reports a study designed to compare science and nonscience Indonesian high school students' (n=400) energy-related knowledge and their attitudes toward energy conservation. Results indicated that (1) students in general have unfavorable attitudes toward energy conservation, and (2) nonscience students are less knowledgeable about energy-related…

Reports a study to investigate the factors that affect science achievement in rural secondary schools. Data from multiple sources provided a profile of the science programs and teachers, and factor analysis identified groupings related to science achievement that included teacher variables, student and teacher attendance, and teacher in-service…

Discusses the cooperative effort between librarians and science faculty at Bucknell University in developing an effective library use education course for incoming undergraduate science and engineering students. Describes course structure and activities, and includes a library instruction bibliography. (five references) (EA)

Maintains that U.S. education should not be studied as a single entity. Interviews 44 students to understand how their learning experiences vary across the subjects of mathematics, science, English, and history. Finds that, although instruction revolves around the textbook, it is used differently in each subject. Discusses these patterns of use,…

Investigates the relevance and concomitant impact of sociocultural experiences upon the scientific literacy of 87 students, aged 13 to 16, concerning their comprehension and assimilation of scientific data involving solar eclipses. Results indicate that the students' nonscientific conceptions about solar eclipses, generated through sociocultural…

Presents the STS (science/technology/society) outlook profiles of 546 eleventh graders from Israeli high schools within the existing science, nonscience, and technological tracks in terms of cognition, behavior, and literacy. Findings indicate significant differences between the profiles for students regarding behavior and literacy but not for…

Discusses the purpose, the rationale, and an evaluation of students' comments concerning an introductory college science course for nonscience majors that utilizes content area reading and writing to instill an appreciation for the everyday importance of science by focusing on the theme of science in the news, particularly as reported in the print…

Presents a framework for teachers to use the thermodynamic system of popping corn to generate student interest. Examines the popping mechanism and the role of steam in, the heat required during, and the energy efficiency of the popping process. (MDH)

Twelve articles present excerpts from several national reports of countries participating on the Second International Science Study (SISS) of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. The SISS examined science achievement and its correlates in participating countries and studied trends from 1970 through the…

In summer 1990, Drexel University and Philadelphia School District collaborated on a five-week teacher-oriented university science course that emphasized an integrated approach to teaching mathematics and science in which elementary teachers link science and mathematics to students' everyday experience through hands-on activities. (IAH)

Provides six fully developed elementary school level library media activities, most of which are designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units. Areas covered are health/guidance, physical education, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives and curriculum objectives are explained and…