Teaching has been described by a number of educational researchers as a complex cognitive activity. In an effort to contribute to the knowledge base for elementary science teacher effectiveness, this study was undertaken to build upon the procedures and findings of previous intensive instruction research by providing a framework for the…

This document contains the text of 71 papers presented at a national conference dealing with the relationships among science, technology and society (STS) with particular emphasis on technological literacy. Topics include: (1) emerging ideas and challenges; (2) STS in developing countries; (3) STS and government; (4) frameworks and concepts in STS…

Data indicate that although science is required of all students in elementary school, elementary teachers do not usually teach science as a high priority or in a way that enhances student achievement. A myriad of possible causes for existing voids in this teaching process have been suggested by researchers. Teacher belief systems have been…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides awards for education and research in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering. This publication contains information about awards for the 1987 and 1988 fiscal years. An introductory section reviews the goals of NSF's education program and the long-range goals of the Directorate for Science and…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of 10 published research reports related to curriculum, instruction, problem solving and teacher education are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) verbal aptitude and the use of study questions; (2) the treatment of evolution in biology textbooks; (3) descriptions of characteristics of…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Rationale";…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction";…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction"…

School provides only a small part of a child's total education. This book focuses on science learning outside of the classroom. It consists of a collection of articles written by people who are involved with several types of informal science education. The value of informal science education extends beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge.…

Trying to change the predictive rule for the sinking and floating phenomena, students have a great difficulty in understanding density and they are insensitive to empirical counter-examples designed to challenge their own rule. The purpose of this study is to examine the process whereby students from sixth and seventh grades relinquish their…

This resource book introduces first-grade children to the world of magnetism and magnetic effects. The students are provided the opportunity to observe interactions between magnets, identify what materials a magnet will and will not attract, study magnetic fields, induce temporary magnetism, make an electromagnet, and use compasses. The 16 lessons…

This resource book introduces fourth-grade children to nature around them by studying animal tracks and other animal evidence. The lessons and concepts covered in this unit are designed to develop an awareness and appreciation of animals in our environment. Ten lessons are provided including: (1) identifying holes, tracks, and scratches; (2)…

This resource book introduces second-grade children to the importance of water and the environment. The lessons and concepts covered in this unit are designed to develop an awareness of the importance of water in our lives, an awareness of some of the things water can do, and an awareness of our responsibility to help protect and conserve our…

This resource book introduces third-grade children to the environment by studying the weather and its effects. Lessons are provided including: (1) constructing a weather diary; (2) thermometers; (3) clouds; (4) barometric pressure; (5) wind vanes; (6) heating and cooling air; and (7) analyzing weather data. Each lesson includes a listing of…

This publication provides information and activities for teaching about water, whether certain objects will sink or float, and process skills including observing, classifying, inferring, measuring, predicting, and collecting and interpreting data. There are 14 lessons in the unit. The first four lessons deal with the classification of objects and…