Describes a laboratory experiment for freeze-drying fruits and vegetables which aims to expose college students to the principles of drying and simultaneous heat and mass transfer. The experimental apparatus, procedure of the experiment, and data analysis are also included. (HM)

Examines seven multimedia science projects in elementary and secondary schools. Discusses science attitudes and understanding, student responsibility for learning, gender equity, constructivism, multiple intelligences, learning and attitudes, and recommendations for teachers. (LRW)

Describes a science program designed to attract children to science through an extended study of biology. Presents a detailed description of the various professional development activities and the results of the formative evaluation of the program. (DDR)

Four levels of a learner controlled multimedia/interactive videodisc (IVD) science program were administered to 60 second graders: IVD lesson only, comprehension monitoring only, teacher scaffolding only, and teacher scaffolding with comprehension monitoring. The teacher scaffolding with comprehension monitoring group scored highest, indicating…

Describes a mathematical investigation centered on collecting and analyzing data in a scientific setting. The first experiment teaches the basics of data collection--students should be able to identify variables that might have affected experimental results. The second activity includes designing an experiment to control for these variables. The…

Argues that children learn science more effectively when teachers begin with the ideas they already hold. Children can arrive at scientific understanding through careful teaching that includes discussion activities, practical investigations, or secondary sources. Getting children to discuss their ideas challenges their thinking and encourages them…

If children are required to make their own sense, then attempting to impart knowledge will fail altogether or result in only superficial short-term learning. Curriculum structure, load in science, and assessment must change for a constructivist approach to flourish in the classroom. Teachers must serve as a guide to students exploring science as a…

A study compared self-ratings and undergraduate student ratings of graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) on nine factors of teaching effectiveness, examining how math and science GTAs who speak English as their native language (NGTAs) differ from their international counterparts (IGTAs). Overall, self-ratings were consistently higher than student…

Describes a study that was conducted at the University of South Africa to determine the feasibility and the effectiveness of using computer-aided learning for a distance education chemistry course. Highlights include summative courseware testing; cost effectiveness; student achievement; student attitudes; and an appendix that lists responses from…

Eighteen average readers and 18 less-skilled readers (grades 8 and 9) were presented with social studies and science passages via a computer either visually (on screen), auditorily (read by digitized voice), or bimodally (on screen, highlighted while being voiced). Less-skilled readers demonstrated comprehension in the bimodal condition equivalent…

A three-year study explored the development of elementary teacher trainees' attitudes toward the teaching and learning of science during the early stages of their professional education. Questionnaires and reflective writing revealed attitude development and the impact of coursework and teaching practice. A dichotomy between expectation and…

Describes instructional uses of Microsoft PowerPoint software as demonstrated in a summer workshop for educators. Notes three uses: open house-type presentations, tutorials, and student-produced projects. Discusses how PowerPoint was used to present general information about the school and gives examples of uses in science and music history…

Three principles that guide documentation and assessment of children's early science understanding are: collect a variety of forms of evidence, collect evidence over a period of time, and collect evidence on the understanding of groups of children as well as individuals. Information and insights gained from this process help teachers plan future…

Describes a study that explored the effects of teacher-centered versus student-centered multimedia computer-assisted instruction on the science achievements of tenth-grade students in Taiwan. Results of analysis of covariance on pretests-posttest scores showed the teacher-centered approach was more effective in promoting students' science…

Describes examples of electronic field trips for elementary and secondary school students taking place during the 1996-97 school year. Topics include Mayan civilization, wildlife migration, geothermal hot spots, Antarctica, sailboat voyages, baseball and math, viruses, Hong Kong, and offerings from National Geographic. (LRW)