Effects of a sequence of two science content courses (earth science/biology and physical science) on preservice elementary teachers' attitude toward and anxiety about science teaching were examined. Results from two studies (1977-78, N=78 and 1978-79, N=71) indicate attitude/anxiety changed in a positive direction and continued in subsequent…

Suggests that educators and scientists publicize the nature of creationism and expand science education for nonscientists in schools and colleges since the general public lacks sufficient familiarity with science to evaluate misleading creationist claims. Includes comments on the general decline in science education. (JN)

A computer program, making use of interactive computer graphics, has been developed to help students become fluent in the mathematical procedures needed to understand concepts of addition of waves. Background theory, use of the program, and technical and educational features of the program (written in Fortran) are discussed. (Author/JN)

Excerpts from the opinions of the Attorney General of Maryland on the constitutionality of this state's House Bill 1078 (balanced presentation of creationism/evolution) are presented. Indicates that the bill has as its purpose and effect the advancement of religion and would foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion. (Author/JN)

Argues that the fight against creationism in public schools is essential to the preservation of First Amendment rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Discusses how creationists, to avoid religious issues, are presenting the "creation-science" (pseudoscience) issue in terms of academic freedom and censorship. (Author/JN)

Discusses psychological applications for science curriculum and instruction, addressing difficulty in learning science (Piagetian theory); meaningful learning (reformulation, application, making use of prior knowledge, learner involvement); value of practical work (acquisition of skills, enhancing learning, motivation); and affective aspects…

Presents laboratory procedures, classroom materials/activities, and demonstrations, including: vapor pressure of liquid mixtures and Raoult's law; preparation/analysis of transition metal complexes of ethylammonium chloride; atomic structure display using a ZX81 (includes complete program listing); "pop-up" models of molecules and ions;…

Reviews research conducted between 1966 and 1978 dealing with changing the attitude of preservice elementary teachers toward science and science teachers. Categories of research discussed include elementary science methods courses, micro-teaching, audio-tutorial and self-paced learning, various approaches (humanistic, inquiry, inductive-deductive,…

Investigates and substantiates the effectiveness of the peer teaching approach on the ability of preservice elementary teachers (N=60) to acquire concepts selected from the Elementary Science Methodology Course and on their attitudes towards science and elementary school science. (CS)

Reviews research on demonstration versus small group instruction in four phases (up to 1926, 1926-1946, 1946-1960, and 1960-present), reflecting progressive stages with respect to the development of the investigational techniques used in the studies. (Author/JN)

A self-paced format is used to teach physical science on three levels: (1) regular program; (2) challenging readings and experiments for academically gifted; and (3) modified textbooks for students with reading/learning difficulties. (Author/JN)

Based upon the overlap of science education and environmental education, an elementary and secondary school science curriculum is proposed which vertically and horizontally integrates the themes of energy and the environment into science. Topics discussed include instructional materials and teacher education. (DC)

Results are reported of performance and attitudes of students (N=109) receiving high structure (objectives, reviews, examples, questions, feedback) and students (N=108) receiving low structure (emphasis on content) laboratory manuals and instructions. (SK)

Describes the development of a two-week National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded course at the Virginia Military Institute to promote the lecture demonstration technique. (SK)

Information is presented, based on two visits to the USSR combined with a reading acquaintance of Soviet science education, about education in science in Soviet schools. (PB)