This document reports on a doctoral-level practicum designed to train volunteers as docents to assist in the programs of the NOVA Children's Museum located on the Cedargrove School campus (Covina, California). Docents were found to be essential for more in-depth science learning to take place during hands-on museum experiences which promote the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course for preservice elementary school teachers was effective in: (1) shifting student concerns about science teaching from concerns about themselves to concerns about the impact of inquiry-oriented science programs on pupils;…

This packet of materials is intended to provide teachers with an interdisciplinary approach to integrating air quality education into the existing curriculum of Connecticut schools. The unit is designed to complement the student booklet "The Air We Breathe," which is included. A major portion of the document is comprised of teaching…

Responsible human behavior toward pets, farm animals, and wild animals is considered by many to be an important goal. The purpose of this elementary instructional guide is to introduce and develop in students a sense of responsibility toward animals. The teaching activities in the guide are based on nine concepts. These are: (1) many kinds of…

A literature review was conducted in an effort to locate programs that could improve opportunities for learning for middle graders, and particularly educationally disadvantaged middle graders. Of the more than 200 programs that were reviewed, about 80 were identified as having promising components for middle grades educators. Section I discusses…

The Richmond Area Young Scholars program, designed for a target population of rising seventh grade black students in the Richmond, Virginia area, emphasizes mathematics and physics. Honors topics instruction will be provided by faculty of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and by pre-college faculty who are members of the Mathematics…

The purpose of this investigation was to compare two different methodological techniques of a biology preparatory course in order to determine which curriculum's methodologies were most effective in preparing biology students for follow-up biology courses as measured by course grades. One was based upon laboratory hands-on experiences and the…

This paper examines data collected from 1988-1989 and identifies a number of correlated factors. The data were drawn from the "1988-1989 District and School Profile," a survey conducted and published annually by the Mississippi State Department of Education. The ACT scores used represent the aggregate scores from within a district while…

This document describes a general introductory course in applied science intended for students of various interests and abilities. The course is designed to provide high school students with a basic understanding of the space age with an emphasis on model rocketry. Included is an outline of the subject matter to be covered in units on: (1)…

In an effort to provide teachers in Ohio with assistance in environmental education, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced this teachers kit. It is designed to describe what the Ohio EPA is doing to protect Ohio's air, land, and water. The background information provides an historical account of some of the events that have…

The number of secondary schools, colleges, and universities offering courses in wind energy machine construction, repair, and installation, continues to increase. It is the purpose of this unit to include the study of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) as an integral part of related vocational and technical curriculum materials. The unit's…

This secondary teaching unit is intended to help students in science and social studies understand some of the forces behind rapid population growth in developing nations and the challenges these countries face. The document includes a student handout that is designed to compare and contrast the demographic transition experienced by developing…

This book explores the meaning of learning in science at the primary level and uses it as a basis for discussion of the content, methods, organization, resources, and the teacher's role. The first five chapters address how learning in science takes place, what aims are appropriate for elementary students, and how opportunities for learning can be…

Designed as one means of drawing attention to the need for quality scientific and technical education for today's youth, this booklet examines recent trends in education and demography and discusses their implication in producing scientists and engineers for the future. Information is presented on: (1) the need for a scientific and technical…

Based upon the recognition that the sea has great potential as a future source of energy, minerals, and water, this document was developed to provide students with learning experiences in oceanography. It contains background information about ocean tides, waves, chemistry, depths, and plant and animal life. The book provides the teacher with…