Describes a ten step program used to implement computer education in the Rochester, Minnesota public schools. The ten steps are: (1) needs assessment; (2) statement of philosophy; (3) board policies; (4) administrative procedures; (5) learner goals; (6) instructional priorities; (7) equipment needs; (8) preparation of bid specifications; (9)…

Every child today is in contact with the results of scientific discovery and should have at least some understanding of the principles of modern science. The increasing complexities of the age in which we live make this imperative. For this reason, the study of science has become an essential part of the curriculum of every elementary rural and…

Twelve pupils from each of 13 middle school science classes participated in this study. Findings, among others, indicate that two of nine engagement measures (attending and generalizing), together with formal reasoning ability, were related to process skill, achievement, and retention. (JN)

This synthesis of research in academic engagement addresses studies in several academic areas. A general relationship of teacher performance and student engagement in learning tasks is noted. Cites studies indicating a relationship between degree of engagement and achievement and suggests numerous research questions for science education…

Describes trends related to declining mathematics and science achievement test scores of graduating high school seniors. Reports that scores of students intending to major in college mathematics and science have been stable over time. Discusses implications for education policy, particularly in science in elementary grades. (CS)

Explains the rationale, program specifics and initiatives for the preparation and development of staff, curriculum, instructional support, and research for science education in the United States. Includes total program cost for each. (RT)

Presents a collection of 100 creative teaching ideas from educators nationwide. The suggestions cover across-the-curriculum teaching tips for language arts, math, science, and social studies; tips on classroom management, cooperative learning, computers, thinking skills, and self-esteem. A bonus page for students is included. (SM)

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in career education, social studies, mathematics, science, and language arts. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each…

This article is about one school district's effort to reform its elementary science curriculum through a program of professional development called Science, Parents, Activities and Literature (Science PALs). The differential exposure of the district's K-6 teachers to Science PALs and differences in how well teachers implemented Science PALs-type…

Reflecting recent policy and standards initiatives, emerging research agendas, and key innovations, this volume provides a contemporary overview of important developments and issues that have that have in recent years shaped elementary science education pre-service courses and professional development, and practices that are shaping future…

This research inquiry explored the factors influencing successful science program delivery among early- and middle-years schools within a rural school division in central Canada. The study is framed by the author's personal inquiry into how psycho-social factors at the classroom, school and school division level influence science program delivery.…

A major goal of any teacher education program is to prepare prospective teachers to know what to do in a classroom of children and how to do it effectively. The purpose of this research study was to examine the level of first-year teachers' science content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge in order to evaluate the…

The 14 lessons in this guide are intended to enhance elementary students' personal correspondence skills. The activities encourage creative personal interdisciplinary expression in language arts, visual arts, social studies, science, and mathematics through lessons that can be presented independently or integrated into existing lesson plans. Each…

The question of why so few women enter scientific fields of study is important to American society. This paper examines two questions concerning the career aspirations of students: (1) What attitudes do students have about science and careers in science? and (2) How do variables such as classroom structure, grade level, gender, peer influence,…

During the 1980s increasing attention was paid to writing-to-learn elementary school subjects outside of traditional language arts courses. The concept of writing-to-learn in science has much in common with the concept of a science learning community premised upon a social constructivist epistemology. This paper reports on research designed to…