The objective of this project was to develop a valid and reliable multiple choice test of six basic science process skills for students in grades 4 to 8 (ages 8 to 14 years). Seven criteria were outlined for the test: an emphasis on the six most widely used science process skills (observation, inference, prediction, measurement, communication, and…

Misconceptions are systematic, intelligently conceived, and quite reasonable theories that have been constructed on the basis of experience. Research studies on misconceptions have indicated that students develop intelligently conceived and sophisticated concepts of science. Although some of these are compatible with the principles of modern…

This guide contains a collection of activities which are designed to provide opportunities for 4-H voluteers and youth in New Jersey to get involved in learning about the marine environment. The guide is divided into five sections which deal with habitats, organisms, career exploration, community involvement, and additional marine activities. Each…

This paper reviews the efforts to put science education into contexts that are considered more meaningful and useful than the classical approach. It focuses on S/T/S (science/technology/society) projects funded by the National Science Foundation, and especially on a project at the University of Iowa. Some of the features of S/T/S programs are…

An episodic and activity oriented approach is employed in this unit that illustrates the theme of interdependence of living things. Concepts related to dependence, competition, community, and ecosystems are developed through a case study of a raccoon problem. Various means of solving the raccoon problem are explored within a societal context. Five…

The ocean affects all of our lives. Therefore, awareness of and information about the interconnections between humans and oceans are prerequisites to making sound decisions for the future. Project ORCA (Ocean Related Curriculum Activities) has developed interdisciplinary curriculum materials designed to meet the needs of students and teachers…

Energy activities and lesson plans for kindergarten and grades 1 to 3 (grouped into seven units representing seven major conceptual schemes) are provided in this teachers' guide, with a unit at each grade level for each conceptual scheme. Conceptual schemes addressed include: (1) energy is the ability to do work; (2) energy comes from the sun; (3)…

Energy activities and lesson plans for grades 4, 5, and 6 (grouped into seven units representing seven major conceptual schemes) are provided in this teachers' guide, with a unit at each grade level for each conceptual scheme. Conceptual schemes addressed include: (1) energy is the ability to do work; (2) energy comes from the sun; (3) energy can…

The study of alternative conceptions, or interpretations of ideas which differ significantly from the accepted scientific view at any time, has made rapid progress in the last few years. A detailed review of the field is not provided, rather achievements made and challenges for the future are noted. Areas addressed include: (1) the elucidation of…

Fossil fuels, upon which we now depend almost exclusively, are finite resources. Because the environmental problems inherent in large scale fossil fuel consumption are increasingly apparent, the reality of developing alternative energy sources must be faced. Solar energy is the obvious solution to the problem. It is a renewable, clean source that…

This Sunny Side Up activities book is a coupling of science and language arts materials that will assist middle school teachers in developing energy awareness while they are teaching language arts skills. The majority of exercises and activities are keyed to the basic reading and writing skills stated in the "Minimum Performance Standards for…

The Milwaukee Project is an attempt to provide science teachers at all grade levels with the background and support they need to involve handicapped students in a regular science class. Goals of the project include the improvement of preservice and inservice teacher training to prepare teachers to include the handicapped child in the mainstream…

COMETS Science (Career Oriented Modules to Explore Topics in Science) was developed to demonstrate to early adolescents that learning mathematics and science concepts can have payoff in a wide variety of careers and to encourage early adolescent students (grades 5-9), especially girls, to consider science-related careers. The program provides 24…

The ENKA Project is concerned with two major problem areas: the conceptions of physical and chemical phenomena, central to an upper level course, held by compulsory school pupils (grades 7-9) and the implications from descriptions of pupils' conceptions and ways of reasoning for current teaching practice. To determine conceptions held, pupils were…

This paper examines various topics and issues related to the teaching of science to orthopedically handicapped students. It includes: (1) brief descriptions of programs and materials for orthopedically handicapped students in elementary ("Elementary Science Study" and "Science A Process Approach II"), middle ("Science…