This study assessed the efficiency of the current science radio programs in Uganda, determined whether there exists any significant difference in performance of students who receive radio lessons in science and those who do not, and assessed problems associated with the utilization of the science radio programs in primary classes. Data were…

A number of documents were written in 1983 by groups seeking to improve American education. This digest was developed to review and examine some of the common themes (as they pertain to science education) from these documents. They are: (1) "A Nation at Risk"; (2) "Educating Our Citizens: The Search for Excellence"; (3)…

This study used a five-step procedure to establish and validate the essential competencies in computer literacy for elementary and secondary school (grades K-12) science teachers. This procedure produced a concise list of 24 competencies that are not only representative of the broad field of computer literacy skills, but also are considered to be…

The contributions of coal as an important energy source are reviewed in this booklet for teachers. It provides background information on coal, activities for classroom use, and an answer key for all the exercises. The introductory section includes information on: (1) coal and electricity; (2) reasons for using coal; (3) methods for extracting…

Presented are concerns from teacher education via university courses to the role of publishers in education. Publishers can aid curriculum reform by producing good quality books, collaborating with large curriculum development projects, and encouraging changes in attitudes of teachers via the mutual dissemination of argument and ideas. (PEB)

Elaborates on the argument that listening is a neglected observational skill and provides suggestions for skill development. (PEB)

Described is a concerns-based elementary science methods course, the design of which has been influenced by work done by Fuller on the concerns of teachers. The three phases of the Teacher Concerns Model are "Concerns About Self,""Concerns About Teaching Tasks," and "Concerns About Impact on Children." This model and…

Examines the way children learn from each other in the science classroom, and in particular deals with the question: "What can we do in teacher training to help teachers learn how to foster child-child learning?" (JR)

Describes a program in Fairfax County, Virginia, in which Elementary Science Study (ESS) materials are constructed and reconditioned in an Instructional Materials Processing Center using local community labor. Also discusses an inservice program for training teachers in the use of ESS materials. (JR)

Describes a mystery tunnel, constructed by teachers, which provides a variety of non-visual, sensory experiences for children as they crawl through it. It is designed to help primary children develop basic abilities to use their own senses to better observe, discriminate among observations, and describe their own perceptions accurately. (JR)

Discusses the use of rubberbands, an empty wooden thread spool, two wooden matches, a wax washer, and a small nail to conduct an experiment or demonstration in powerplant design. Detailed procedures and suggested activities are included. (CC)

Discusses attitudes seemingly engendered by practices in science teaching. Comments on explanations of scientific phenomena which appear in recent science texts as over-simplified and thus impede the child's imagination. (Author/EB)