Reports results on status of elementary science instruction in central Florida, focusing on teacher preparation (science content, science methods, inservice); time spent; and attitudes toward teaching science (confidence in ability to and preference for teaching science). Indicates inadequate preparation, lack of self-confidence in, and little…

Describes and evaluates one assignment from a unit designed to teach basic science concepts and instructional strategies to primary school teachers, specifically, the control of variables. (SK)

Describes the development, validity, and reliability (0.91 to 0.94) of a 50-item, Likert-format scale to measure students' attitudes toward science in grades 4 through 12 (N=806). (Author/JN)

Briefly described are 25 "hands on" classroom activities which require live, freshly killed, or preserved grasshoppers. Topics of activities include predator-prey relationships, feeding habits, locomotion, dissection, anatomy, and population estimates. (DS)

Included are 13 enrichment activities for gifted elementary school students in the subjects of mathematics, classroom seating arrangements, logic, language arts, and science. (CJ)

Compares the effectiveness of interactive free choice learning experiences to and combined with the lecture-demonstration approach in teaching sixth-grade children (N=50) to criticize and control experiments. Results contradict Piagetian theory regarding the importance of interactive experiences and exposure to materials in fostering these…

Provides rationale for interdisciplinary science curricula which emphasize decision-making skills. Includes examples of interdisciplinary curricula using an issue-centered approach: Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES), Health Activities Program (HAP), Human Sciences Program (HSP), Individualized Science Instructional…

Described are the advantages of using crayfish in an elementary or secondary biology class, crayfish activities, field collection, classroom care, and identification. (DC)

Reviews the issues behind, and proceedings of, the Arkansas court case in which the constitutionality of a law requiring a balanced treatment of creation science and evolution science in public schools was challenged. Summarizes testimony of key witnesses for both sides. (DC)

Provides science activities and teaching hints appropriate for the middle school sciences including making a domino "gunpowder fuse" that detonates a mousetrap "bomb," using fishing rods and bicycles as teaching aids, constructing lead holders, and teaching chromatography. (DC)

Outlines procedures for developing an outdoor program for teaching science including appointing a steering committee and establishing objectives. Suggests a variety of teaching activities. (DC)

Suggests the use of simple testable problems to motivate middle school students to plan and carry out their own experiments, thus reinforcing integrated process skills. Lists several sample problems. (DS)

Provides instructions for constructing a model of a working thermostat and suggests several student activities using the model. (DS)

Provides a policy statement of the Association of Science Education including: (1) the place of science in the school curriculum; (2) science curriculum development; and (3) science curriculum implementation. Includes a summary of recommendations and proposals related to these three major areas. (DS)

Analysis of an open-ended survey of 144 university and school science educators resulted in identification of six major problem areas: conceptual, organizational, teacher-related, student-related, university-centered, and societal. (Author)