Examines the research literature in science education to determine how appropriate it is for teaching science to young children 3-5 years of age. In the context of this discussion, a model for the teaching of science in early childhood is presented. For clarity and continuity, the example of teaching electricity is used throughout. (PR)

The Subsistence Science and Video Project allows Alaska Native high school and college students to carry out field studies in basic and ocean science on St. Lawrence Island and to document their learning on videotape. The goal is a culturally relevant science program that links Western science with traditional subsistence activities. (LP)

Assessed the impact of intensive one-week "An Integrated Mathematics and Science" (AIMS) institutes on participant satisfaction and on actual classroom practices during the year following the institute. Findings indicate that participating teachers (n=142) had a high degree of satisfaction. Changes in teaching and content were made by…

This paper considers the challenge confronting educators when considering the impact of risks generated by science and technology on the lives of citizens. (PR)

Describes an activity having students use a microscope to observe the "hooks" and "loops" found in Velcro and on the seeds of the cocklebur plant. (PR)

Suggests that disinterest in physics occurs because students and adults can apply everyday concepts to solve problems without understanding the underlying physics concepts. Proposes Wagenschein's Exemplary-genetic Method to teach physics and illustrates the method with examples taken from history. (MDH)

Explores high school student's postinstructional knowledge about mass, volume, weight, and density in terms of what students need to know to successfully solve academic physical science problems. Presents definitions of the concepts, discusses hypothesized knowledge deficiencies, and suggests implications for instructional design. (Contains 31…

Presents an activity in which students in grades 5-8 learn about snail reproduction by observing and charting the activities of land snails, freshwater snails, and slugs. Instructions to implement and extend the activity are provided. (MDH)

Describes two curriculum approaches used at a college as an alternative to traditional introductory science-survey courses. The first course is entitled "Nature of Science" and the second is "Current Research." (PR)

Describes a series of environmental education instructional units for grades K-6 developed by the Think Earth Consortium that cover topics such as conservation, pollution control, and waste reduction. Provides testimony from one sixth-grade teacher that field tested the second-grade unit. (MDH)

Describes a unit of study for elementary school science on bats. Students investigate the different types of bats; examine their behavior; find facts that other students are unlikely to know; write stories about bats; and examine the concept of echolocation, the means by which bats navigate. Suggests integrated activities for mathematics…

Integrating environmental education into the science curriculum helps students develop environmental knowledge and attitudes. Describes an exemplary eighth-grade environmental science class, cites other similar programs, and discusses the advantages of environmental science courses over traditional science courses. (MDH)

Describes a way to enhance student/instructor communication through regular student feedback on key concepts. Argues that examinations also serve this purpose but are too infrequent and that anonymous quizzes can be used effectively. (DDR)

Offers a critique of American schools to provide helpful insight to teachers, researchers, and reformers of national systems who struggle with deeply rooted cultural divisions. Contains 36 references. (DDR)

Recommends that numeracy be better coordinated and integrated across the curriculum and that teachers examine the image of mathematics presented to children. Discusses the value of eliciting children's ideas about and experiences with numbers and measuring. (DDR)