Project REM (Resources, Energy, Mankind) incorporates energy, ecology, and environmental topics into a sixth-grade science curriculum. Various activities of this year-long project are discussed, including those related to Mr. REM (a student-built "robot") and an all day exploration of energy held near the end of the school year. (JN)

The generative learning model is explored and linked to recent science education research findings. The implications of the model for the teaching and learning of science, the training of science teachers, and science educational research are discussed. (JN)

Reviews efforts by science educators to reduce sexism in science textbooks. While there is agreement about the extent of sexism found in the books, there is some confusion as to the best method of changing it. An analytic framework for clarifying the problem and possible affirmative action are proposed. (JN)

Describes laboratory activities which encourage students to develop and test hypotheses related to the effects of changing environmental factors on plant growth. Uniform (fair) testing and careful observation and measurement, supplemented by graphing, are emphasized as important in reaching valid conclusions. (JM)

Reviews research studies that investigated the relationship between attitude and achievement. Concludes that in general and for science the relationship is weak, indicating that science teachers should focus directly on improving achievement and not on improving attitudes towards science as a means of improving achievement. (DC)

Describes a Scottish research project--Technique for Assessment of Practical Skills in Foundation Science (TAPS)--to identify practical laboratory skills that students should acquire and to produce methods of formative and summative evaluation of these skills. Examples of appropriate practical objectives, test items, and evaluation criteria are…

Summarizes results of the meta-analysis of 105 research studies dealing with effects of new science curricula on student performance. Twenty-seven different new science curricula involving one or more measures of student performance were included in the analysis. Positive performance patterns were found in all new curricula examined. (JN)

Relationships which exist between self-perception in science and cognitive development were explored under two quantitatively different teaching strategies: the use or nonuse of directions, praise, and rejection. A less directive teaching strategy appears to provide a more positive environment for developing an independent self-perception in…

Discusses sources of energy education materials, including businesses, industries, and private organizations. Provides names/addresses of principle energy trade associations and guidelines for evaluating energy education materials developed by the private sector. (JN)

Discusses the basic issue between biology and the religious right, focusing on the strategies creationists use. Proposes formation of a symposium on the relationship between science, religious beliefs, and politics, outlining purposes of such a symposium and questions which might be addressed. (JN)

Suggests discussion questions, demonstrations, and activities related to a Public Broadcasting Service documentary ("To Hear"). The basic theme of the program is that people don't realize the dangers of excessive noise because it is pervasive and invisible. (Author/JN)

Following a discussion of the philosophy of and three general approaches to curriculum development for the middle school, four basic components of a marine science curriculum related to the three curriculum approaches are described. Components focus on course themes (ecology, stewardship, interdependence) and attitudes related to early…

Describes a cooperative venture between a college faculty member and elementary school students/teachers. Each year the faculty member presents two basic physics assembly programs at the school (one for upper and one for lower grades). Includes examples of assembly activities and summary of 1977-1982 teachers' evaluations of the program. (JN)

Discusses four problems facing gifted students in elementary science classrooms. Suggests development of teacher-made science packets to resolve these and other problems. A sample lesson on animal classification for grade three is provided. (JN)

Assesses Scientific Attitude Inventory (SAI) by examining the instrument and 30 studies in which it has been used. In addition, shows how conceptual analysis may be used to investigate validity of a research instrument. Indicates that SAI needs reworking since it is less than certain of what is being measured. (Author/JN)