The effect of mode of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and individual learning differences on the learning of science concepts was investigated. University elementary education majors learned about home energy use from either a computer simulation or a computer tutorial. Learning of science concepts was measured using achievement and…

Science, society, nature, and culture are interacting forces on the lives of all people. They become increasingly complex with time. In this address, a perspective of science, technology, and society is offered and suggestions and recommendations are made for how teachers can and should integrate this topic effectively into instructional programs.…

In this report, the search is continued for exemplary elementary science programs. Included is a chapter explaining the excellence in elementary science concept which touches upon: (1) goals; (2) characteristics of an ideal curriculum; (3) resources and materials; (4) administrative leadership; (5) classroom environment; and (6) program…

Preservice elementary school teachers entering a science methods course have been found to differ widely in their command of science process skills. A study was undertaken to examine several variables suggested by the literature to be related to these skills. Forty-five preservice elementary school teachers (5 males and 40 females) were tested at…

This syllabus provides a list of concepts and understandings related to four areas of energy. They are: (1) the nature of energy (an energy definition, basic categories of energy, forms of energy, laws of energy conversion, and measuring energy); (2) energy sources of the past and present (history of energy use and present major sources of…

This study investigated the extent of attitudinal change towards the teaching of science in elementary teachers (N=35) in Trinidad and Tobago during an activity-oriented science curriculum development workshop. The model used during the attempts to: (1) incorporate some aspects of science content development, manipulative hands-on experiences,…

This elementary school unit on wetland ecology consists of 12 activities and activity packets containing data sheets, activity sheets, flash cards, game cards, and other materials needed to complete the activities. The first activity is the text for a slide-tape show which provides an overview of the entire unit. Each of the remaining activities…

Elementary science educational library resources in New England graduate and undergraduate teacher education institutions were compared using a 31-item survey instrument developed for library directors. Data were obtained from 62 institutions with certified elementary education programs (72 percent response rate). Among the findings reported are:…

One area explored in the second (in-depth) phase of the Learning in Science Project was "children's science," defined as views of the world and the meanings for words that children have and bring with them to science lessons. The investigation reported focuses on students' (N=37) views of chemical change. Data were obtained using the…

Observational techniques were employed to gain insights into students' experiences from three perspectives (learner, teacher, and observer) as related to four aspects of a set task (nature of the task, including its purpose; how the task was carried out; perceived significance of outcomes achieved; and significance of outcomes in terms of science…

The Science Activities Action Research Group considered problems related to using science activities in teaching/learning of science ideas, problems previously identified and described during exploratory/in-depth phases of the Learning in Science Project. Three specific tasks were formulated by the group, including: investigating wording of…

This unit, one of a series designed to develop and foster an understanding of the marine environment, presents marine science activities for second grade students. The unit, focusing on awareness of living/non-living factors shaping life of the sea, is divided into sections dealing with: physical characteristics of oceans; fish; sea anemone;…

Three papers are provided to assist local school districts and legislators in developing their positions when addressing creation/evolution controversies in Iowa schools. "Creation, Evolution and Public Education: The Position of the Iowa Department of Public Instruction (DPI)" presents the consensus of opinions of national and Iowa…

The Learning in Science Project (Primary--LISP(P)--designed to investigate the teaching and learning of science in New Zealand primary schools, arises from the work of the original Learning in Science Project (LISP). This paper is an attempt to clarify the direction of LISP(P) as it moves toward the central phase of the research. The ideas…

The stand taken in the Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--is that primary school science should be centrally concerned with children's present interaction with their world rather than their future science education. Further, it has been decided that one of the LISP(P) foci should be on questions that children ask and how these…