This book provides activities for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade teachers and librarians to use in the spare moments that can be transformed into educational experiences. The activities range from individual paper-and-pencil games, to partner activities, to whole-class ideas, and combinations thereof. The activities are arranged by subject (i.e.,…

In April, 1919, at the request of the Board of Education of Memphis, Tennessee, the United States Commissioner of Education submitted the conditions on which the Bureau of Education would make a survey of the public school system of that city. This study of the Memphis schools is intended to be a study of policies and practices; not of persons.…

Initial textbook investigations indicate that more new words/phrases are introduced than in a similar time frame in which foreign languages are studied. Reviews these initial studies, studies of vocabulary mastery in foreign languages, and general research concerning vocabulary development. Reports on occurrence of technical/special words in 25…

Examined students' conceptions of the words "force" and "energy" using the interview-about-instances approach. Implications for science instruction and instructional strategies are discussed based on findings that many students have views of these concepts that are different from accepted scientific views. (JN)

Discusses the nature of naive conceptions and the influence of these conceptions on students' interpretations of instructional events. Also discusses implications of this research for designing instruction to facilitate the reconciliation of naive conceptions with scientific theories. (JN)

Provided are reviews of science films, slides, audio cassettes, and wall charts. Each review includes title, source, country of origin, description of subject matter presented, appraisal, and target audience. Among the topics considered are smell/taste, grasshopper behavior, photography, bat behavior/flight, pond life, exploring planets, locusts,…

Provides background information and suggestions for concrete experiences to help nonscientists teaching 5- to 13-year-old children. Includes a list of 25 ideas for energy activities and a list of 10 key energy concepts. (JM)

Assessed Nussbaum's developmental model (SE 024 045) using a new sample given no special instructions in spherical earth/gravity concepts. Also identified distribution of notions among students (N=159 in grades three to eight), compared distribution of notions at each age level with those in other studies, and explored role of individual…

Relationships of student characteristics to student performance/attitudes were explored by meta-analysis for studies for years 1960-1981. Six characteristics (general ability, language ability, mathematics ability, socio-economic status, sex, and race) were selected for inclusion in the study. Indicates strong positive relationships between…

A longitudinal investigation is being conducted to examine commitment to science (attitudes) and science achievement among adolescents (N=4,500) in relation to individual/family/school influences. Addressed are the investigation's theoretical framework and major variables. Data analyses will serve to explain relationships among…

Effect of science instruction on young children's (N=64) concept of Piagetian physical causality was investigated. Results indicate, that pre/concrete-operational children can learn and apply a definition of living when that definition is taught through observable characteristics. Additional results and implications for elementary science…

National Assessment of Educational Progress data show that, by age 9, girls express interest but do not engage in as many science activities as boys. This continues through ages 13 and 17, paralleled by increasing negative views of science and science classes/careers. Suggestions to eliminate inequalities found are offered. (JN)

Tested Ausubel/Novak hypothesis that primary grade students can learn meaningfully certain aspects of science concepts in the "reception learning" model. Revised audio-tutorial instruction unit on earth based on understanding children's misconceptions; assessed impact of revised units with second graders; and compared results to concept…

Summarizes a speech by Sir Denis Rooke, chairman of British Gas, in which he presents arguments for including science in school curricula. Includes points relating to the individual, community, industry and society, industry and education, and Britain's future. (JN)

Addresses the issue of bias in the natural science classroom as it relates to : (1) the natural sciences view of reality; (2) societal context; (3) scientists and teachers; and (4) scientific theories such as evolution. (DC)