Reported is a study to evaluate the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program at the fourth-grade level, in particular the unit, "Relativity." To avoid the problems of a written test, an alternative test involving examples of relative position and motion was developed. This 30-item planetarium test was used as a pretest and…

The purpose of this study was to test the learning by discovery controversy. Three seventh-grade science classes of above average readers were selected and randomly assigned to one of three experimental treatments: discovery, guided discovery, or programed instruction. The instructional materials were derived from the Michigan Science Curriculum…

While the open education movements and educational technology are often seen as mutually hostile, the challenge in education for the future is to find ways to develop the full range of each individual's capacities and of doing so while putting control of the learning process as much as possible in the learner's hands: for educational technology,…

A textbook called "Persuasion" was designed to provide discovery situations and a skills program to teach students to be aware of the ways in which they are influenced by various methods of communication, both public and private. The text focuses first on the persuader and the emotions he seeks to manipulate, then on the persuader and the image he…

This pamphlet summarizes the interim report of the Head Start Planned Variation Study although information from other sources is included. During the pilot phase (1969-1970) eight distinct approaches to preschool education were analyzed with regard to the nature and extent of implementation of early education models and program effects. The first…

MATCH boxes (Materials and Activities for Teachers and Children) were developed by the Children's Museum in Boston. They are presently distributed by the American Science and Engineering Company. The MATCH box concept consists of a collection of multi-media activities packaged in kit form to be used by elementary school teachers and children. The…

This paper discusses six aspects of current practice in mathematics instruction of elementary school children: (1) use of symbolization, (2) use of models, (3) consideration of child development, (4) "logical" vs. "natural" approaches, (5) individualization, and (6) diagnosis and prescription. The author argues that symbols are frequently…

Some ways in which exploratory activities of the preschool child involve science concepts are described. The role of adults knowledgeable about both science and child development is stressed. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences. (EB)

Hands-on experiences are encouraged and some examples given to promote discovery learning for the very young. (EB)

Explains that in teaching scientific concepts in the elementary school the focus should be on observations and inferences, that can be drawn only from observation, suitable to the childrens' mental maturity, and carried out in an environment that reinforces discovery learning. (GA)

The construction of tables of numbers is discussed as a learning activity that involves work in such things as reciprocals, calculators, formulas, patterns, discovery, prime numbers, and other types of numbers. (MP)

Students use a series of isosceles right triangles constructed on a geoboard to discover patterns and form generalizations. (MP)

The hypothesis that "on a new task, elementary school children would perform relatively better on the egrule (discovery) method, and that high school children would perform relatively better on the ruleg (expository) method" was tested by G. D. Hermann (1971). This study replicated Hermann's research using only one of his tasks (map reading) and…

Mathematics can be thought of as a language and should be taught using the principles governing the methods of teaching a second language. So that teachers do not stress "answers," they should be trained to involve children in carefully structured activities, investigations, and observations which will ensure understanding. (Author/BC)

Describes the primary science project of the Science Education Programme for Africa. Program uses the total environment, inquiry, and direct experience for learning purposes. Ideological bases of the project are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages are stated plus implications for curriculum, teacher training, and resource allocations. (BC)