The extent to which grades 3-7 students (N=424) hold animistic notions and the meanings of these notions were evaluated. A classification test composed of 16 pictures (8 living and 8 inanimate objects) and a questionnaire were used. Ninety-nine percent classified animals, 80 percent classified plants, and 56 percent classified embryos as living.…

Results of the assessment of public school students' science achievement, part of an ongoing provincial learning assessment program, are reported by grade and sex for six goals: concepts processes, application, safety, scientific literacy, and attitudes. Results of an attitude sample and teacher survey are also reported. Recommendations are…

Science activities with soap bubbles for primary school children are described in this article. Another activity involves children in determining the whereabouts of sugar as it dissolves in water. (SA)

Increasingly, college teachers and instructional designers are exploring use of the technology of virtual reality to enhance student learning in math, science, and the social sciences. It is found particularly useful for teaching psychomotor skills and may have potential to make scientific concepts and abstract subjects more accessible to…

Although structural analysis is a fundamental subject in civil engineering, its abstract concepts and the difficulty in visualizing them pose problems for students. This article examines the application of virtual reality (VR) to civil engineering. Describes the design, development, and evaluation of a VR-based learning center for a structural…

Observes that children's interests, especially their fascination with personal changes in height, weight, and abilities, can be used to help teach concepts of time and change. Illustrates how family and community contexts can be incorporated into this teaching. Includes suggested learning activities. (MJP)

Examines how allowing Grade 3 students to demonstrate their understanding of science concepts through a variety of responses enables them to use different learning styles or intelligences. Presents examples of the kinds of work used to assess student understanding, including writing-to-learn activities, acrostic poetry, graphic organizers, such as…

Presented is the extent to which pupils of different ages tend to confuse scientific and everyday meanings of "Law" and "Conservation." The concepts of resource economy, environmental concern, and the law of conservation of energy are discussed in terms of potential teaching difficulties. (KR)

Described are four interdisciplinary units entitled "A Very Fishy Unit,""Building Healthy Bodies Unit,""Hands-On Plants Units," and "Butterflies Spell Beauty Unit." Each unit contains science activities, skills and concepts covered, and activities that cover other disciplines. (KR)

To be effective in promoting scientific literacy, science teachers must be well prepared in their subject areas, have a firm understanding of the nature of science, and stay abreast of current technological advances affecting society. Science teachers must engage students in the science revolution by relating it to their lives. (AF)

Describes a multiple choice, pencil and paper, diagnostic instrument used to measure student understanding of covalent bonding and structure concepts. Reports evidence of seven commonly held misconceptions. (MVL)

Introduces microcomputer interfacing as a method for explaining and demonstrating various aspects of the concept of function. Provides three experiments with illustrations and typical computer graphic displays: pendulum motion, pendulum study using two pendulums, and heat absorption and radiation. (YP)

The use of concept maps, Vee diagrams, flow charts, and productive questions to increase student understanding of laboratory exercises and to improve student attitudes toward lab classes is discussed. Examples of each are provided. Student responses to these teaching methods are described. (CW)

Describes methods for teaching mechanics. Concepts included are force, inertial frames, and rotation. Emphasizes how to feel or observe them. (YP)

Reports on a study, Science for All Americans, by the AAAS. Notes this study is the first of three phases in Project 2061. Recommends science teaching should focus on connections rather than boundaries between traditional academic disciplines and should emphasize ideas and thinking rather than specialized vocabulary and memorized procedures. (MVL)