This study explores the nature and meaning of various epistemological and affective issues that shape elementary teachers' work, such as ways of knowing, beliefs about the nature of science, values, emotions, and teachers' images of themselves as knowers. Through analyses of two teachers' narratives, classroom observations, and instructional…

This paper describes how a fourth grade class at a Canadian laboratory school used an approach to knowledge building that had students participating as intentional learners as they specialized in interest groups for their study of light. It examines how, later in the year, the goal of building collective knowledge became the focus for this group…

This study aimed to help the teachers clarify and understand the nature of science (NOS), as well as classroom practice through the implementation of the constructivist teaching model. Ten elementary science teachers were involved in a year-long in-service program that included a series of intervention courses. Following the intervention courses,…

This curriculum guide for students in grades K-4 is part of the My Health My World Series. It explores environmental issues, focusing on food and the environment. The unit includes (1) an activities guide for teachers entitled, "Food and My World," which presents activity-based lessons that entice students to discover concepts in…

Using data collected from an undergraduate science methods class, this paper interrogates a variety of ways that preservice teachers construct their identities as both students of science and prospective teachers of science. Data sources included writings about an issue of "difference" in science class, a science autobiography, student-generated…

Incorporating an integrated curriculum around a subject matter takes creativity on the part of the teacher. Using fine art, specifically, reproduction postcards of famous paintings for a second-grade science lesson pertaining to the Hudson River, enhances aesthetic appreciation while utilizing storytelling, writing and illustration skills. Using…

Discusses some of the psychological factors involved in the development of children, and examines the role that the science teacher can play in enhancing the self-concept and self-esteem of children in his classroom. (JR)

Describes an activity used in the science methods class at the University of Wisconsin to bring preservice elementary teachers into appropriate contact with children and to give them the opportunity to try out a variety of materials and activities from the newer elementary science curricula. (JR)

Highlights a quantitative synthesis of research studies on Elementary Science Study, Science Curriculum Improvement Study, and Science A Process Approach, focusing on student performance/achievement, attitudes, process skills, and basic skills. Suggests that activities and instructional strategies from the programs be incorporated into existing…

Offers suggestions and strategies to help improve elementary and middle school science programs. Focuses on three variables important in planning to improve a science program: begin slowly, proceed steadily, and minimize the risk to the people (teachers, administrators, parents) who will be affected by the changes. (Author/JN)

Discusses methodologies used to observe children at work in science classrooms and to handle data collected from such observations. Audience, observational mechanisms, and research strategies are considered in separate sections. Methodologies as applied to the Learning in Science Project are also considered. (JN)

Argues that fostering early science interest could act as a stimulus for lasting interest, affecting numbers of students opting for secondary school science courses. Identifies problems in testing this argument by research, highlighting two areas: control of inter-school variables and need for a measure of quality of primary science itself. (JN)