The need for the exploration of phenomena in students' daily lives requires effective approaches in inquiry-based science education for minority and urban students. There are few descriptions of students' initial attempts at inquiry, especially among urban school students. This study focuses on seventh and eighth grade students, and investigates…

This paper reports on research conducted to determine whether science curriculum reform efforts in Korea have had a positive effect on the classroom learning environment from a constructivist point of view. The Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES) was administered to 1083 students and 24 science teachers in 12 different schools. One…

Today university students are demanding a greater say in their tertiary education. In particular they are demanding a greater flexibility in the way they receive their instruction, and it is imperative that course delivery strategies that fulfil these expectations are investigated. On-line delivery of learning materials offers teacher and students…

This digest describes an interdisciplinary approach to instruction based on the relationship between reading, writing, and arithmetic. Questions related to which language learning strategies apply to mathematics, the perspectives of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) regarding this approach, the impact of reading on…

Determines effect of a process-oriented science curriculum on students' (N=83) ability to transfer and utilize problem-solving skills, and the relation of basic and integrated processes to the development of those skills. Discusses methodology and implications for teaching problem solving, stressing the need for process-oriented curricula.…

Suggesting that the scientific community must provide leadership to improve science education, discusses various issues in science, chemistry, and chemical education and the role of professional organizations (particularly the American Chemical Society) and its members in achieving educational goals by cooperative efforts and interactions with…

Examined relationship between cognitive requirements of two chapters of a physics textbook for biology/pre-med students and their ability to use prerequisite reasoning skills required for its understanding. An average of 42 percent of students tested did not consistently use reasoning skills required to understand text concepts. Discusses tests…

Traces the development of the current understanding of what "literacy" in science should be. Offers viewpoints that "basic" components of biology should include the nature of science, the way it functions, and other nonconceptual dimensions of biology. (CS)

Describes activities of the nine Centers and one Day Care Center (in England and Wales) sponsored by the Field Studies Council. Focuses on inservice teacher education courses and center-run courses in environmental subjects. Includes a sample outline for a one-week course, indicating exercises/principles and instructional strategies for each day.…

The author reviews the past few years of experience gained in English schools of mixed-ability teaching in science and makes some personal interpretations of the lessons to be learned from that experience. It is hoped that some of these issues will be of relevance to other countries. (Author/SK)

Discusses interests of various social groups in supporting trend to help students relate science to current issues and practical applications, pointing to issues in science/technology/society (STS) curricula that need to be addressed by science teachers and describing some organizational decisions that need to be made in developing STS curriculum…

Traces changes made in teaching about energy in science classes during the last 30 years. Emphasizes the need to better relate science to society and the environment. Outlines the general format and sample activities from the "Science in Society" project as an example. (DC)

Level of operational thinking required (cognitive demand) for concepts or problems and test items on the mole concept was determined and compared to the Piagetian levels of thinking of 71 students. Pupil cognitive level was positively associated with overall unit test scores and with percent success on all test items. (Author/SK)

Describes a course to present secondary teachers with an overview of the energy problem and provide technical background required for an understanding of energy conservation methods and future alternatives. Emphasis placed on subject matter that can be incorporated into secondary school curricula. (Author/JN)