Presents a study to determine differences in effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) compared to traditional instruction of general biology students (n=54) for units on photosynthesis and introductory genetics and to assess students attitudes toward CAI. Results indicate CAI tutorials are no more or less effective in promoting student…

Reports the rationale, design, validation, and uses of the "Force Concept Inventory," an instrument to assess the students' beliefs on force. Includes results and implications of two studies that compared the inventory with the "Mechanics Baseline." Includes a copy of the instrument. (MDH)

Politicians and educators recommend significant improvements in scientific and mathematical competency so Americans can be more competitive in tomorrow's high-tech economy. The article outlines shortcomings of current change proposals and describes an alternative that integrates various kinds of knowing, including science and technology, into an…

This supplement offers 10 articles focusing on middle school education. Topics include remembering adolescence, resources and teaching tips, active middle school students, adolescent development, challenges in middle school education, integrated studies, planning middle school special events, a writing-science-consumerism miniunit on popcorn,…

Proposes the critical analysis of science fiction as a motivational enhancement for students to be strategically engaged in the learning of scientific concepts. Exemplifies this strategy with the analysis of the data presented in the science fiction short story, "Maelstrom II" written by Arthur C. Clarke, utilizing mathematical concepts…

Compares the reasoning capabilities of preservice elementary school teachers before and after their involvement in a remedial science program that incorporated instruction in basic conceptual knowledge with reasoning strategies about manipulation of variables and logical inference. Discussion of results emphasizes recurring logical fallacies. (22…

Considers questions relating to the introduction of particle physics into post-GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) courses. Describes a project that is producing teacher and student materials to support the teaching of particle physics at this level. Presents a proposed syllabus for a particle physics module. (KR)

Demonstrates a laboratory to teach the concept of moment of inertia in which students are asked to identify four objects of equal mass sealed in unopenable containers by identifying the mass distribution of each object. Gives instructions to build an instrument to determine relative distribution of mass. (MDH)

An elementary school teacher changed his teaching approach to one based on John Dewey's philosophy that science should be taught as a method of inquiry, not as a fixed body of knowledge. Students were encouraged to formulate scientific questions and work together in establishing experimental procedures. (LP)

Provides seven fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used with specific curriculum units in art, language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, evaluation, and follow-up are described…

A recent case study examined how the organizational changes from junior high to middle school influenced the science program for a large North Carolina school system, focusing on teacher preparation, time allocation, interdisciplinary instruction, equipment allocation, and information and leadership issues. Science instruction was enhanced under…

Discussion of school effectiveness, achievement outcomes, and sociocultural influences focuses on a study of Nigerian high school students that was conducted to determine whether or not instruction based on a sociocultural model could significantly alter students' attitudes toward learning and achievement in science. (51 references) (LRW)

Fifty middle-grade students conducted science experiments either as members of small groups taught skills of self-directed critical thinking, or as members of a teacher-directed class, or as members of a control group. Experimental students scored highest on tests of relevant science content. The first group outperformed the others when…

Action researchers teaching a required preservice physical science course attempted to develop feminist pedagogy for science instruction that reduces female students' apprehension and insecurity about science, tests methods of stimulating greater interest in science, and counteracts the inherent gender-bias in the discipline of science. (38…

Reviews the reform of secondary school physics in the United States from the 1930s through the mid-1960s. Describes the impact of progressive education, World War II, and the post-Sputnik reforms. Points out differences between past reform efforts and the current Project 2061 of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). (CFR)