Facts and activities related to weather and meteorology are presented in this unit. Separate sections cover the following topics: (1) the water cycle; (2) clouds; (3) the Beaufort Scale for rating the speed and force of wind; (4) the barometer; (5) weather prediction; (6) fall weather in Iowa (sleet, frost, and fog); (7) winter weather in Iowa…

The school site is a convenient location for study stations since it is available for short periods of time and can be used consistently. Special preparations, such as transportation, required for off-site fieldtrips can be eliminated. In addition, on-site activities provide students with concrete experiences necessary to understand difficult…

A meta-analysis of science education literature was undertaken to determine the magnitude and direction of sex differences in school age boys'/girls' motivational orientations and science achievement. A comprehensive review of journal articles/reports, large-scale national/international studies, and standardized testing procedures appearing in the…

This report describes and interprets findings from a 1981-82 national assessment in science conducted by the Minnesota Science Assessment and Research Project (SARP). SARP tested 18,000 students randomly selected from across the nation. The assessment instruments included items on science content, inquiry, role of science and technology in…

Discusses the rationale for creation, and the characteristics of, middle schools. Investigates the problems of science curriculum materials and preparation of science teachers for the 6-8 grade level. (CP)

Describes a methods course which places great emphasis on getting and/or making appropriate concrete manipulative materials in the classroom. Presents the rationale for this materials emphasis and explains the value of this approach. (GS)

As a major part of their science methods course, preservice elementary teachers start with a tested science unit and assemble a box of related manipulatives, audio visuals, worksheets, vocabulary cards, and other materials to be used in implementing the unit. The unit is then (ideally) used in practice teaching. (SD)

This curriculum guide provides the framework for integrating humane education into the traditional elementary school curriculum. The activities in this guide are designed to help students think critically and clarify their own feelings about various issues, as well as to provide them with factual information and understandings about animals.…

This paper presents findings from research on knowledge acquisition in observational astronomy to demonstrate the kinds of intuitive models children form and to show how these models influence the acquisition of science knowledge. Sixty children of approximate ages 6, 9, and 12 were given a questionnaire to investigate their knowledge of the size,…

The activities in this book are designed to reinforce the elementary concepts of flight. General background information, suggested activities, questions for discussion, and answers are provided. Twenty-eight reproducible worksheets are contained in this guide. Topics include: hot air balloons, the physics of flight, air resistance, airplane…

This paper describes the development of a sixth-grade "Matter and Molecules" unit using a new curriculum development model based on conceptual change research, the field testing of this unit in 15 classrooms and the field test results. The development process and the resulting unit are contrasted with the unit's predecessor, the "Models of Matter"…

Society has become increasingly aware of the harmful effects that the disposal of chemical waste products have on the environment and human health. Public information is central to the development of a responsible waste management plan. The activities contained in this guide are organized in sequence from kindergarten to grade 12, and provide…

Many school staff and their client communities are concerned about pupil achievement, skills, and attitudes related to the environment. To respond to these concerns, staff need to determine how they can improve their environmental education programs by modifying the content and skills emphasized in the curriculum, and supplementing instructional…

An analysis was conducted of 12 fourth-grade science and social studies lessons in which a textbook was used as a focus of instruction. The purpose was to determine how the textbook was used by teachers and students, and in particular, to determine what kinds of questions the teachers asked during the textbook-based lessons. The results replicate…

Goals and objectives of many state and local environmental education programs have included developing students with knowledge, skills, positive attitudes and motivation to take action, to prevent and to resolve environmental problems. This digest describes variables involved in developing responsible environmental behavior and some teaching…