Although technological innovations have the capability to significantly change how scientific investigations are done and greatly enhance the teaching and learning of science, its use is no more effective than any other resource or innovation when researched-based effective teaching practices are not followed. This paper reviews established…

This article describes how an interdisciplinary science class uses visuals in ways that can be adapted across disciplines and academic levels. The key to the use of visuals is that they are integral to the learning of the students, whether we begin with visuals to improve writing and thinking or use written texts as the basis for visual…

The educational potential of computer networks will be realized only when educators stop focusing on technical connections and start asking how educational activities that are supported on computer networks can make a significant contribution to education. Computer networks can contribute to accomplishing educational goals in language arts (by…

In 1988-89, the Science Academy, a magnet program at LBJ High School (Austin, Texas), was awarded a two-year grant called Double TNT to "target new teachers" and "teach by novel techniques." The purposes of the program include: (1) interesting minority and female students in science; (2) attracting minority and female students…

The document reviews the literature concerning the goals of elementary school science teaching. The review indicated a consensus among scientists and science education experts that elementary school science instruction should promote meaningful understanding of science concepts, processes, and attitudes. Students should not just be memorizing…

This paper discusses issues pertaining to at-risk students at the primary level, suggesting what can be done to keep pupils in formal schooling with an optimal achievement level. Topics discussed include: (1) probable at-risk primary pupils; (2) the domestic and societal causes of high risk in primary pupils; (3) approaches to guiding pupil…

This publication lists basic skills curriculum objectives for kindergarten through eighth grade in the schools of the Addison-Rutland Supervisory Union in Fair Haven, Vermont. Objectives concern language arts, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies instruction. Kindergarten objectives for general skills, physical growth, motor skills,…

Twenty-three self-contained single concept physics demonstration packages were designed and constructed at Lamar University (Texas). Each package was available for loan to pre-college science instructors in southeastern Texas in the spring and summer of 1987. During the spring, three high school physics teachers used the demonstrations and…

The purpose of this study is to improve attitudes toward learning science and inquiry-based, science teaching through specially designed instruction in a science methods course for preservice teachers. Eighty preservice teachers over two terms elected to complete one of two projects as part of their science methods course. The "Discussions in…

One of the primary goals in many teacher education programs is to design and to implement specific courses, strategies, and methods that promote positive attitude toward science and science teaching among elementary education majors. This paper describes the effects of a biology content course, patterned after innovative elementary school science…

The Partners in Elementary Science (PIES) program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is a model Teacher Enhancement project. Its goal was to develop and test a program to help elementary teachers strengthen their science teaching by addressing areas of need, specifically teachers' confidence in teaching inquiry science and helping teachers…

This science framework is about connections. Each section draws on and contributes to those that precede and follow it. The framework opens with a discussion of the nature of science and the need for science educators to model the attributes of scientific investigation including objectivity, testability, and consistency. The framework also calls…

This practicum was designed to increase higher level thinking skills of gifted students in primary school. The project sought to retrain students from recalling science information from the textbook to a more challenging and active form of learning through individual projects and small group and large group activities. Students were given…

"Women and Minorities in Science" was developed as a course that would bridge the gap between traditional women's studies and Afro-American studies courses. This paper provides a descriptive account of how the course was developed and discusses its content and instructional approach. The class schedule is provided and includes a listing of the…

This practicum was designed to develop more positive attitudes toward science and to increase students' knowledge of science by providing supplemental hands-on activities. Second grade students were surveyed at the beginning of the school year and then were retested after participating in hands-on activities from 12 learning centers. The…