Examines the grade-level, gender, and intellectual ability differences in attitude toward science and scientific knowledge. Reports significant differences between average and gifted students in attitude toward being a scientist, usefulness of science, and in knowledge of science. Finds that gender does not have a main effect. (Author/YP)

Studies the use of computers in elementary schools as reported by principals in a survey. Discusses the survey instrument and its topics. Reports findings on drill and practice, learning new material, simulations, and problem solving. (MVL)

Compares achievement effects and time-on-task generated for computer and non-computer versions of essentially the same game. Notes that students followed different rules for the same game and pace was faster for computer versions. Reports transfer of instruction may not be complete. (MVL)

Presents a brief overview of the area of attitude research in science education. Highlights the need to evaluate students in relation to the affective domain. Discusses evaluation techniques, problems associated with evaluation, and some existing instruments and their associated limitations. (CW)

Delineates a concept of scientific literacy as it relates to the Nigerian situation. Examines the relevance and implications of scientific literacy to the educational system and national security. Suggests how scientific literacy can be encouraged through science programs, especially in elementary science education. (YP)

Examines whether participation in physical experiments together with social interaction with adults and school-mates favor the development of causal knowledge and the understanding of a complex physical subject. Concludes that the treatments can lead students to give up pre-causal explanations and to resort to physical ones. (Author/YP)

The harmful effects of smoking tobacco are discussed. Instructions, lists of materials, and discussion questions for three activities to investigate these effects are provided. A glossary of tobacco-use terms is given. (CW)

Reports on a qualitative study of teaching-learning by analogy that explores whether fifth-grade students' successful use of analogy in learning science was related to their understanding of a specific analogy; their metacognitive awareness of how the analogy was to be used and of the changes produced in their conceptual structures. (57…

A springtime forest probably contains over 100 shades of green. Describes outdoor observation activities that let the children monitor tree and plant growth. (PR)

Reports on a project that provided preservice elementary teachers with experiences designed to increase their background knowledge of science, and to encourage them to teach science. An interactive science center and an outdoor field study center in Australia were chosen as venues for hands-on teaching experiences. (LZ)

Reports on revisions to the teacher education program at Eastern Michigan University to improve teacher preparation for teaching science, especially physics and chemistry, in the elementary grades. (LZ)

Discusses a Lehigh University model for teacher preparation in science based on the Project 2061 call for reform in elementary science and mathematics teacher education. Reports on the model, method, and model evaluation. (LZ)

Provides a set of guidelines and useful examples to help teachers assess the effectiveness of inquiry investigations. The authors focus on seven issues: (1) meaningful and accurate learning; (2) time; (3) cost; (4) safety; (5) level of difficulty; (6) preparation procedures; and (7) science activity resources. (ZWH)

A report of how literature books can be used to create authentic contexts for teaching science at the second-grade level is presented. Points out that, instead of relying on expensive technologies, teachers could use carefully selected reading materials to provide students with meaningful contexts for science learning activities. (LZ)

Reports on a study undertaken to validate the practicality of using the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (Perceived Form) (CLES) in a preservice elementary science methods course. Suggestions are made to potentially revise the CLES for more accurate measures in college classrooms. (LZ)