Reviews the Crustal Evolution Project (CEEP) for the development and evaluation of geology materials to supplement existing science curricula. (SL)

The development and administration of a scientific literacy test designed to measure achievement of the objectives of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) project is described. Students who had completed the six year SCIS curricula were compared with those who had used other science materials. SCIS subjects scored significantly higher…

Results of 11 studies of classroom practices used with activity-based elementary science programs were combined quantitatively using a composite category system. One finding reported is that teachers trained in program use spent less time talking and more on activities than untrained teachers using the programs. (Author/JM)

This booklet examines some of the ways in which integration of science and mathematics might be viewed and achieved in the elementary curriculum. Several existing programs that exemplify the integration of science and mathematics are reviewed. Programs include Activities Integrating Mathematics and Science (AIMS), Great Explorations in Math and…

Considers the development of science curricula from World War II and how the emphasis has changed to conceptualization of science knowledge in order to encourage intellectual activity. As well, this change has led to an improved climate for curriculum innovation. (Author/RK)

Examined interactive effects of direction source (teacher, student, or group direction), allocated time, reading ability, and study orientation on student achievement (N=1108) on three Individualized Science Instructional System (ISIS) minicourses. Results (among others) indicate superiority of student-directed approach over teacher/group-directed…

Summarizes results of the meta-analysis of 105 research studies dealing with effects of new science curricula on student performance. Twenty-seven different new science curricula involving one or more measures of student performance were included in the analysis. Positive performance patterns were found in all new curricula examined. (JN)

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…

Describes a high school biology course using 17 learning activity packages for individualized instruction based on the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Yellow Version. Topics discussed in detail include the learning activity packages, the use of computers, and evaluation of the program. (CS)

GEO-Study, an NSF-sponsored study, conducted by the American Geological Institute (1962-64) to examine the educational environment of 44 geology departments, initiating a change in United States geological education. Discusses the early years of development and study (emphasizing undergraduate geological education) and the last 10 years during…

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…

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…

In this study, worksheets were adapted from an Elementary Science Study unit, "Batteries and Bulbs," to develop an individualized set of instructional materials on electricity. Research questions were asked regarding relationships of teaching technique (individualized v conventional) to achievement and attitudes, gender, and interactions…

Describes Project COLD (Climate, Ocean, Land, Discovery) a scientific study of the Polar Regions, a collection of 35 modules used within the framework of existing subjects: oceanography, biology, geology, meterology, geography, social science. Includes a partial list of topics and one activity (geodesic dome) from a module. (Author/SK)

A conceptual model, which provides insight into the individual concerns that teachers adopting a new program may express, was employed in a study of science teachers (N=139) adopting the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS). Results from a 35-item instrument (Stages of Concern Questionnaire), demographic data, and recommendations are…