Two sets of tasks designed to measure operational thinking and the problem-finding skill of asking general questions were administered to 7-, 9-, and 11-year-old children. Analyses performed on the quality of the children's questions revealed developmental trends consistent with earlier work on problem finding. (Author/JMB)

Suggests learning activities for teaching elementary school students about the family. Activities include drawing pictures, role playing, interviewing older family members and relatives, and making charts of positive and negative aspects of family life. (Author/DB)

Describes Louisiana's "Black Americans in United States History" course which is designed to increase student knowledge of Black accomplishments and enhance student self-image through identification with past and present Blacks. Recommends using the inquiry method of instruction, giving special consideration to springboards and the group…

Discusses the historical factors and changes that have led to confusion in the social studies curriculum. States that each educator must act individually to resolve confusion and conflict. Concludes that the reflective inquiry tradition provides students with the experiences that are necessary for developing good citizens. (GEA)

Discusses the increasing need for inquiry and inductive-learning teaching techniques in the social studies. Encourages the use of values clarification, moral education techniques, and experiential learning to assist students in clarifying and constructing a positive belief system. Challenges social studies teachers to actively work toward…

Argues that the strategies and goals of cooperative learning promote good citizenship and the reduction of prejudice. Reviews supporting theories and research and reports on a fifth grade's ten-week cooperative learning experience. (JDH)

Argues that technology not only represents a set of devices that teachers may use but, more importantly, advances a view about knowledge that shapes social existence and stifles the creative learning that most educators extol. Advocates humanizing educational technology and reintegrating it into the process of learning, not just the classroom…

Reviews the research and writing of several authors who advocated intellectual reflectivity as either a major goal or method of social studies. Analyzes the practical constraints which tended to prevent schools and teachers from adopting reflectivty and makes recommendations for increasing teachers' acceptance of reflectivity. (JDH)

Task groups (consisting of three-five students per group), for hands-on, inquiry-oriented activities can provide meaningful learning experiences, develop interpersonal skills, and save money in the classroom. Suggestions for using task groups are provided, describing a recommended instructional model, instructional strategies, and student roles in…

Discusses the development and use of flowcharts to involve students in the major stages of experimental design and hypothesizing. The progress of stages attempts to simplify the complexity involved during problem-solving in science investigations. Several illustrative flowcharts are included. (JN)

Samara (winged seeds from maple and ash trees) can be used for open-ended inquiry or a series of directed science activities. Attributes, observations/inferences, drawing, motion, floating, seed structure, creative design, and measurement are some of the suggestions for classroom use of these seeds. (DH)

Responding to Goldman's critique of the Socratic method, the author redefines the "Socratic spirit" as rational dialog focused on questions of significance in an atmosphere of mutual support and cooperation. Exemplified in Lipman's "Philosophy for Children," this approach nourishes the reflective spirit in children and develops…

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument for determining secondary science teachers inquiry attitudes. Forty items were selected to form the Inquiry Science Teaching Strategies instrument. Instrument construct validity and reliability were developed by use of known groups. (SL)

Even the best program in education will fail to have the intended impact if its essential elements are not implemented properly. Degree of implementation is, then, critical to draw valid conclusions on program outcomes (e.g., Scheirer & Rezmovic, 1983). Especially important is the information on the fidelity with which a program is implemented.…

Learning science through design offers students the opportunity to engage in real-life problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. This ERIC Digest explains the power of "design" as a teaching tool, what it brings to teaching, and what learning through design entails. (YDS)