This paper proposed to apply the perspective of constructivism to the classroom setting. Secondary science teachers and university personnel jointly developed and experimented with a variety of constructivist teaching strategies. Data were collected in the form of teacher anecdotes, audio and videotapes of lessons and student interviews, teacher…

Locus of control, a generalized belief about causality in one's personal life, was identified as a potential variable impinging upon the acquisition of science-related attitudes in classes of high school students from 10th grade biology, and 11th and 12th grade chemistry, and of college elementary education majors. Correlations of the…

In order to interest women and minorities in science and teaching, a proposal by the Science Academy of Austin, Texas specifically recommended recruiting high school minority and female students as future science teachers, providing elementary students with opportunities to experience science, and increasing the number of women and minorities in…

The emphasis on writing in the teaching of mathematics and science can empower teachers to reach all sectors of the pupil population. The use of ordinary language can help break the cultural barriers that have prevented minorities and women from achieving well in proportionate numbers in these fields. This volume focuses on pedagogical issues of…

This publication addresses the ways in which energy can be harnessed to improve the quality of human life. Seven units are included: (1) sundials; (2) solar houses; (3) greenhouse; (4) solar heaters; (5) windmills; (6) biomasses; and (7) photovolaic cells. Each unit contains six subheadings: objectives; introduction; presentation and…

The Integrated Occupational Program (IOP) was designed for students who may function a year or more behind their peers. It consists of both core and complimentary courses designed to provide for the development of essential concepts, skills and attitudes in science that will enable the student to function successfully at home, in the classroom,…

This booklet is designed to use the newspaper in the teaching of social studies, language arts, math, and science. Each of these major areas is divided into several topics. Each topic is defined, followed by a list of activities using newspaper articles or pictures to develop the topic. The seven topics for social studies are sociology;…

Since 1985, Congress has provided the U.S. Department of Education with funds for a program to improve the availability and quality of math and science teachers at the elementary and secondary level. This effort was initiated in response to concern that the math and science skills of elementary and secondary school students were insufficient to…

Given the high importance to this Nation's future of strengthening the quality of instruction, and access to that instruction, in the critical subjects supported by Title II of the Education for Economic Security Act, every effort should be made to widely and effectively share program successes. This Special Program of Exemplary Projects is one…

Designed to assist science educators in improving inservice teacher education, this yearbook contains resources and ideas addressing the application of recent research into a format suitable for practitioners. The eight chapters comprising the document deal with: (1) meeting the needs of science teachers for continuing education; (2) guidelines…

During the past several years topics related to technological literacy and technology education have received increasing attention by policymakers at all levels of government. This report documents the attainment of the initial objectives set forth in an earlier report of the Commission, which was issued in 1985. A major section of this document…

In the past 15 years, educators and education researchers have increasingly emphasized the importance of cognitive processes for effective education in mathematics and science. This may be characterized as a shift away from the epistemology which treats knowledge as a compilation and categorization of facts toward the notion that knowledge is the…

In this study two high school students participated in the revision of a technology curriculum. These students were paid to work through lessons with one of the original authors to provide input for final editing and rewriting. The students were matched to the intended population for which the materials were originally written--poorly motivated…

This project consisted of an analysis of United States' data collected during the Second IEA Science Study (SISS). It focused on the differences in achievement scores between female and male participants at Grades 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12. A manipulative process test, as well as the written achievement test, was administered to students in grades 5…

The revised Iowa Developed Energy Activity Sampler (IDEAS) was compiled using the original IDEAS program and the Energy Conservation Activity Packets (ECAPS). This document is one of the series of revised IDEAS booklets, and provides activities for teaching science. The activities are intended to present energy principles in an interesting manner…