This discussion of heuristic learning focuses on inquiry and problem solving: their distinctions, uses, and advantages over traditional methods of science teaching. (MLH)

This paper illustrates the use of a behavioral analysis of completed curriculum materials as an extremely useful technique for identifying a gradual progression in task difficulty appropriate to the to-be-learned higher ordered behavior. Several learning resources from Pittsburgh's Learning Research and Development Center's Individualized Science…

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of an additional basic language-development program on the science academic achievement of low-achieving kindergarten pupils. From responses on a performance test, an experimental and a control group were formed. Both groups received instruction in science. The experimental group also received…

This document presents a description of a science education program which provides experiences in the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains. The methods course has no required textbook and is an activity-oriented course, requiring students to become acquainted with three of the national elementary science projects: Elementary Science Study…

The report states that teachers and administrators are in agreement as to the priorities and objectives in teaching elementary science. However, they strongly disagree regarding the obstacles to achieving effective science instruction. Mutual consensus is urged in this area to improve the science program. The study indicates that in-service…

This research paper involved preparing a bibliography for use in Minnesota schools of media for the identification of rocks, minerals, plants and wildlife found in Minnesota. The completed bibliography would also be applicable to the surrounding states and the neighboring parts of Canada. Each entry in the bibliography includes level of interest…

In a pilot study designed to determine whether fourth-grade students can acquire a set of behaviors related to performing certain laboratory activities, 22 students were randomly assigned to either a film-mediated modeling treatment or a control. Students in the treatment viewed a videotape model showing peer leaders engaging in the steps of an…

Reported is a study that was partly developmental and partly experimental. A series of worksheets were developed based on the Elementary School Science (ESS) unit, Batteries and Bulbs, and were used to teach three classes of sixth grade students. Two other classes covered the same material using a lecture-discussion technique. Student gains were…

Literature concerned with the preservice preparation of elementary school teachers in science and science teaching methods, both research studies and program guidelines, was reviewed along with studies of the status of elementary school science teaching. Most reports reviewed concluded that the present teacher education programs are an inadequate…

This study investigated means by which innovations in elementary science teaching may be efficiently diffused to classroom teachers. Selected teachers were used to adopt innovations and to extend the innovations within their schools. Subjects were drawn from 1,205 elementary teachers teaching in 112 elementary schools in western Pennsylvania.…

The materials in the set include a student reader "The Story of Ecology," a leaders' guide, and a large, pictorial wall chart. The student reader is divided into 10 units relating to a definition of ecology, the sun and life, air and the water cycle, major divisions of the earth, plants and food chains, distribution of plants and animals,…

Included are an illustrated student reader, "The Story of Trees," a leaders' guide, and a large tree chart with 37 colored pictures. The student reader reviews several aspects of trees: a definition of a tree; where and how trees grow; flowers, pollination and seed production; how trees make their food; how to recognize trees; seasonal changes;…

This set of teaching aids consists of 14 Audubon Nature Bulletins with these titles: Schoolyard Laboratories, How to Lead a Field Trip, Natural Resources in the City, Mysteries of Bird Migration, Rock Stories and How to Read Them, The Ground Water Table, The Terrarium, Some Adventures With Wild Plants Outdoors and Indoors, Plant Propagation in the…

This teacher's guide develops an interdisciplinary approach to marine science for elementary school children. The lessons are concerned with food chains, interdependencies, physical characteristics, comparative dissections, and student involvement in political issues dealing with water and air pollution. For each activity suggestions are provided…

Contained are units on nutrition that have been prepared and tested by several elementary teachers, elementary supervisors, and school food service supervisors. The units do not follow a set format. Typically, the aim of a unit is first stated, followed by concepts to be developed, and the description of activities for the unit. Sometimes there is…