Attempts to develop an understanding of the activity-based learning approach adopted by teachers after they themselves experience hands-on science teaching. The case of a fifth-grade teacher who incorporated a hands-on approach for teaching science in the classroom after attending a workshop is discussed. (LZ)

Presents a narrative account of an activity designed to extend the understanding of both science curriculum and alternative assessment for prospective science teachers enrolled in an advanced undergraduate course. The activity models instructional practice in a methods class. (LZ)

Field tests of the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) with (n=5,447) high school and college students in six countries furnished evidence that science laboratory classes are dominated by closed-ended activities and that females held generally more favorable perceptions than males. Describes the development and validation of SLEI.…

Primary students at one Hawaiian elementary school learn science through direct experience, gaining firsthand knowledge from their gardens and fieldwork. The article describes a garden project involving students and parents. The project, which was originally intended to teach students about plants, actually expanded their knowledge in a variety of…

The expert science teaching educational evaluation model (ESTEEM) developed by the Center for Research on Educational Accountability and Teacher Evaluation is described. Its theoretical premises and research conducted from 1990 through 1993 are focuses. Nearly 200 fourth- through eighth-grade teachers were involved in that period. (SLD)

Describes activities that demonstrate the relationship of mathematics and science and their use in solving real-world problems like solid waste disposal. (JRH)

A discussion of basic and clinical science teaching in optometry in the next decade looks at the changing role of primary care and specialist optometrists, the training needs of current and future faculty, recommended curriculum changes, and decision making about delivery of this training. The roles of graduate training, residencies, and…

A physics/chemistry teacher examined how brain-based learning environments could produce better learning conditions for students. He used thematic teaching, enriched language, naturally complex, long-term design and construction projects, and multifaceted assessment tools. The one-year curriculum indicated that teachers need not sacrifice content…

Reviews the history of secondary science curriculum reform and presents an organizational and curricular framework for discussing why reformers committed to creating a science for living have difficulty altering prevailing patterns. Examines the influence of district, school, and classroom organization upon what curriculum is actually taught and…

Confirms the hypothesis that elementary school science students recall science concepts for which they generate their own examples and definitions better than science concepts for which they do not generate their own examples and definitions. (BB)

Presents ideas on integrating science fiction into language arts, science, social studies, and math. Suggestions include an interstellar journey, imaginative language lessons, futuristic social studies, extraterrestrial life studies, intergalactic math, and science fiction story writing. (SM)

Describes a study of undergraduates at Iowa State University that tested the effectiveness of a computer simulation of electric circuits used in combination with a conceptual change approach to science instruction. Erroneous preconceptions of scientific concepts are discussed, and the use of traditional text is compared with conceptual change…

During 2 2-week institutes, 154 teachers of American Indian elementary school children received training emphasizing integration of science and American Indian culture, and student-centered hands-on science instructional strategies. Pre- and posttraining assessments showed significant positive changes in teacher attitudes toward these educational…

Offers a rationale for collegewide writing across the curriculum (WAC) approaches. Assesses the effectiveness of a WAC project at Medgar Evers College involving two courses (computer science and chemistry). Reports improvement in students' ability to summarize an article's content and writing fluency. Includes writing assignment instructions and…

Presents year-long, elementary science projects that address the question of why daylight hours vary in length according to locality. Provides three instructional units designed to commence in September, including data collection activities for sunny days encouraging later classroom calculations; on-going graphing activities; and modeling…