Volume 1 of the Australian Chemistry Test Item Bank, consisting of two volumes, contains nearly 2000 multiple-choice items related to the chemistry taught in Year 11 and Year 12 courses in Australia. Items which were written during 1979 and 1980 were initially published in the "ACER Chemistry Test Item Collection" and in the "ACER…

The second volume of the Australian Chemistry Test Item Bank, consisting of two volumes, contains nearly 2000 multiple-choice items related to the chemistry taught in Year 11 and Year 12 courses in Australia. Items which were written during 1979 and 1980 were initially published in the "ACER Chemistry Test Item Collection" and in the…

The two general concepts of how living organisms originated are defined: namely, common ancestry evolution and the abrupt appearance of completed organisms on earth. The fossil record is examined from the deepest first fossil-bearing rocks to the top of the geologic column. Evidence obtained from fossil museums is presented so students can…

This study examines the relationship between student misconceptions and learning by focusing on six fifth-grade students as they attempt to make sense of classroom instruction on light and seeing. Pretests, posttests, and classroom observation narratives served as student data. Pretests indicate that students held the misconception that sight is…

The level of thinking that is characteristic of the typical college freshman and the skills needed by college science courses are addressed, and the Development of Reasoning in Science project (Project DORIS) at California State University, Fullerton, is described. While the typical college freshman functions at the concrete level of thinking,…

Games, simulations, and case studies in science education are discussed in this book. The book consists of two major parts. Part 1 which is divided into three sections, is a review of the potential role of games, simulations, and case studies in science education. The first section (chapters 1 and 2) takes a broad look at the game/simulation/case…

Since the early sixties, general/introductory biology courses have evolved as a consequence of a multitude of forces which have been changing the face of our society. These forces are, in turn, consequences of a much greater phenomenon, the Scientific Revolution. Shortages of scientific personnel and the national fervor generated by the space…

The objectives of the SUMIT project was to develop, evaluate, and disseminate 20 course modules (microcomputer programs) for instruction in general biology and ecology. To encourage broad utilization, the programs were designed for the Apple II microcomputer and written in Applesoft Basic with a user-adaptable format. Each package focused on a key…

The purpose of this series of experiments was to examine two questions related to the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI). Can microcomputer modules teach effectively, and do they enhance learning when used as a supplement to traditional teaching methods? Part 1 of this report addresses the former question and part 2 addresses the…

Relationships between an inquiry-oriented science inservice education program and teacher implementation of workshop-developed materials were investigated. Workshop topics included Piagetian learning theory, creating classrooms conducive to implementing inquiry-oriented science programs, use of the learning cycle, and matching learning activities…

This publication contains studies which focus on students' science concepts and the alternative frameworks they use to interpret natural phenomena. Among the specific areas investigated are: conceptions held by Year 11 chemistry students about stoichiometry; how some 9-year-old students interpret the word "solid" to mean hard,…

Recent research shows that students' understanding of many scientific topics is influenced by misconceptions that conflict with accepted scientific theories and persist even after instruction. In this study, student misconceptions were identified and used as a basis for analyzing the classroom behavior of teachers and students and for developing…

This document consists of: (1) an introduction; (2) the first and last chapters of Harold Dunkel's manuscript titled "Writ in Water: The Epitaph of Educational Innovation"; (3) an invited address (presented at a session sponsored by an American Educational Research Association Special Interest Group on the Creation and Utilization of Curriculum…

This teaching guide provides background information, instructions, and copies of sample cards needed for an image walk, a series of demonstrations and activities that reveal the images carried by sunlight. The three cards are used: (1) to demonstrate that sunlight passing through holes of any shape create round spots of light--images of the sun;…

Instructions are given for a first graders' science and mathematical lesson entitled: "Stone Soup" (based on a popular story by Marcia Brown). Activities include reading, discussing, collecting materials, cooking, growing plants, and observing physical and chemical changes. (CR)