Compared effectiveness of discovery and expository instructional strategies on science knowledge and attitudes of fifth-grade Egyptian students (N=276). Although there were no sex differences, students taught by discovery scored higher in achievement (recall and application) and attitudes than those taught by the expository method. (JN)

A two-part unit for second-grade students was developed to make children aware of the kinds of energy, problems connected with each energy type, and to introduce the decision-making process. Rationale for the unit and individual unit lessons and activities are discussed. (Author/JN)

Speculates that physiological changes resulting from repeated, long-term stimulation in human and laboratory animal brains are related to short- and long-term memory processes. Describes a physiological-based model which may explain many current learning theory principles and can serve as a foundation for developing new learning theories based on…

Proposes four specific actions to maintain science education's viability and plan for its future, focusing on scientific literacy. These proposals are based on: (1) an analysis of historical determinants of federal role in education; (2) interpretation of the Reagan administration's decisions influencing education; and (3) projections for federal…

Compared performance on Piagetian tasks to determine differences between students (N=52): (1) external subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access, and between internal subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access. Indicates access to manipulatives benefits those exhibiting externality with respect to…

Presents the full text of Arkansas Act 590 (1981) requiring balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in public schools of this state. Includes, among others, requirements for balanced treatment, prohibition against religious instruction, requirements for nondiscrimination, definitions of "creation-science" and…

Examines proposition that creationism is legitimate science, including philosophical basis of that claim and methods used to discredit contemporary scientific thought. Discusses creationist's arguments against scientific findings related to second law of thermodynamics, improbability of evolution, earth's age, geological record, fossil transitions…

Describes public facilities in the United Kingdom (observatories, planetariums, museums, and research institutes) available for use in astronomy education. (SK)

Emphasizes the importance of imagination in scientific discovery and science education and identifies three processes which increase the richness of the visualization experience: relaxing, concentrating, and seeing. Suggests topics for guided experiences and example models for earth/space, life, and physical sciences. (DC)

Provides a general overview of humor and its use in educational settings and makes specific suggestions to educators who want to include or increase its use in their classroom. Discusses characteristics, benefits, categories, student perceptions, stages of humor, sources and forms of humor, and pacing. (DC)

Discusses "integrated science" as an aspect of curriculum development, including its relationship to common culture and disciplinary knowledge and the problem of defining "scientific knowledge for all." (CS)

Describes a set of Science Reasoning Tasks which are valid and reliable for assessing the ability of children to use concrete and formal reasoning strategies and can be used by science teachers without professional training in Piagetian studies. Thirty pupils can be tested on each task in about 50 minutes. (Author/DS)

Reviews biology education from 1950 to the present and highlights major assessments of past efforts and current needs (emphasizing "critical elements" in biology curriculum/instruction noted in "Project Synthesis"). The historical perspective and data provided by the assessments are used to seek solutions for the remaining…

Discusses purposes and policies of science education, including present growth trends and the resulting problems of human ecological scarcity, global nature of these problems, and the need for a global response to alter current trends. Emphasizes the role of science/technology in the amelioration of global problems. (Author/JN)

Provides evidence indicating that activity-based science programs substantially improve performance in science process/creativity; modestly increase performance on tests of logic, perception, language development, science content, and mathematics; modestly improve attitude toward science and science class; and have pronounced benefits for…