In the framework of a curriculum reform in the Netherlands, an interdisciplinary open inquiry assignment has been introduced as a part of the final secondary school examinations. We developed and evaluated a preparatory open inquiry assignment to be used in science and mathematics departments of schools, in collaboration with each other: the…

On the first day of classes, most students in introductory biology courses (a) believe that their effort is the most accurate predictor of their academic success, and (b) are confident that they will work hard and earn high grades. Despite their optimism, many students do not follow through on their expectations, and their grades drop accordingly.…

Ideal mainstreaming conditions were compared to ideal resource conditons for science and art instruction of 21 deaf students (10-13 years old). Results of nonverbal interviews, teacher observation and opinion surveys of nonhandicapped children indicated that gains in science knowledge were not significantly different for the resource and…

An interim status report is presented on a study of predictors to aid in reducing the 35-40% dropout/failure rate in general chemistry at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, Perkinston Campus. Data from 1974-75 and 1975-76 were used to develop a formula whereby potentially weak students could be identified before they failed or dropped out…

In the ninth season of the television program, "Sesame Street," new pre-reading and pre-science segments were introduced to the show. This report evaluates these segments with regard to young children's visual attention and comprehension. The intent of the evaluation was to assess the effectiveness not only of individual segments but…

The following research questions were addressed in this study to investigate elementary school teachers' (N=236) attributional styles related to their teaching methods and allocation of time: (1) How do teachers attribute the causes of success or failure in their science teaching; (2) Does the attributional model help explain science teaching…

Since the major causes of accidents are carelessness and a negative or apathetic attitude towards safety, this guide was developed to facilitate safe, stimulating science laboratory activities by providing both general and specific safety information presented in 12 sections. Subject areas considered in these sections include: 1)…

Based on the proceedings of a workshop prompted by a study of science education in Canada conducted by the Science Council of Canada, this document examines the relationship between girls and science education. The workshop addressed three major questions: (1) To what extent are girls in Canadian schools avoiding the study of science? (2) What…

Written as part of a series for the Science Council of Canada, this publication focuses on elementary and secondary school science education as it effects students in general and those pursuing engineering and technical careers in particular. Section one examines post-Sputnik science education and claims that an overly narrow emphasis on pure…

The curriculum, designed for use with gifted students at the junior high level, presents units of instruction which emphasize the higher level thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. An introductory section explains each of the three higher level skills and presents tasks illustrating each one. Four units are presented, complete…

Prompted by the United Nations' International Year of Disabled Persons, personnel from environmental field centers and related facilities attended the Northeastern Conference on Outdoor Science Education for Physically Handicapped Adolescents. The two major purposes of the conference were: (1) to provide information and skills to environmental and…

Members of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) were asked to list specific priorities for research in science education. A total of 101 members, approximately 13% of the NARST membership, responded with a total of 398 statements placed into one of six general research categories: (1) Teacher Education; (2) Science…

Presented are middle school level, activity-oriented astronomy activities developed as a result of an earth science workshop for teachers. Topics include: (1) sun and moon position and measurement; (2) daily, yearly, and seasonal changes in the sun's position; (3) shapes and positions of planetary orbits; (4) eclipses; (5) properties of light; (6)…

Papers presented at a conference of science educators from 26 countries organized to discuss world trends in science education are compiled in this publication. Section titles are: (1) Perspectives on Science Education - Some Major Trends (9 papers); (2) Science Curriculum Development for the Future - A Look at Some of the Issues (7 papers); (3)…

"Science for the Seventies" (SFTS) is designed to aid teachers and administrators by helping them select materials from available elementary science programs, modify on-going science programs, or develop a better science curriculum. SFTS encompasses 16 televised programs which provide introductory experiences appropriate for launching a…