This publication aims to help teachers to more effectively teach math and science to English language learners (ELLs). It argues that the learner's home language can play an important role in his or her science and math learning, whether or not the teacher speaks that language. When students are allowed to use their home language in the classroom,…

The last two decades have witnessed a growing trend away from the traditional modes of instruction in physics courses at all levels, from high schools through universities. The reasons for this, as well as some commentary on several non-traditional styles of physics instruction, are presented in this paper. The article does not attempt to promote…

These teaching guides are intended to supplement the shows of the ninth season (1998-99) of the PBS Television Series "Scientific American Frontiers." Episode 901 is entitled "Science in Paradise: Another Side of the Caribbean." The teaching guide contains information and activities on hawksbill turtles, volcanic eruptions,…

This paper reports on the classroom learning environment and teaching practices in a Papua New Guinea ninth-grade science class and the conflict between the informal, traditional learning paradigm and new school approaches to science teaching. Observations and interviews with teachers and four students were supplemented with questionnaires and…

Project REAL (Rural Education Aligned for Learning) aims to improve mathematics and science education in grades 5-8 in five rural Ohio school districts identified as in "academic emergency" or on "academic watch." Program goals are to reform curricula to teach skills and concepts, rather than facts; improve students' math and…

This publication is a collection of 45 integrated project plans developed by teams of secondary academic and career and technology teachers, school administrators, industry partners, and postsecondary educators over 3 different meetings in 1997. The projects all center on linking at least one academic discipline (English, mathematics, science, and…

A field-based teacher education program that is designed to educate preservice teachers for careers in urban schools is described. In this program preservice elementary school teachers spend two semesters in the classroom with veteran teachers before the traditional student teacher semester. In the second semester of the program, the preservice…

The theme for National History Day during 1998-99 school year is "Science, Technology, Invention in History: Impact, Influence, Change. National History Day competition has two divisions based on school grade: junior division--grades 6, 7, and 8; and senior division--grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. This teacher guide provides teachers with…

This study investigated and compared the level of initial and long-term retention of frog internal anatomy among students using an interactive CD tutorial, a desktop microworld, and conventional frog dissection. Students' anxiety toward science was also compared across the three treatment groups and between genders. Additional data on students'…

The continuing interest which American educators and other citizens have attached to Soviet schools and their development has served to encourage the U.S. Office of Education in its efforts to provide the most complete and verified information obtainable on the subject. As expressed in "Soviet Commitment to Education, Report of the First…

For more than a decade the U.S. Office of Education and the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) have collaborated in preparing an annual summary of research in the teaching of science. The present bulletin, under the same collaboration, begins a new series in which each successive issue covers a 2-year period; its…

Presents examples of physics activities using common objects such as a tuning fork, umbrella (for double diffraction patterns), and a toy car. Provides questions designed to stimulate student curiosity/interest and which provide models for developing additional units on everyday objects and toys. (JM)

Presents a position statement on preparation of middle/junior high school science teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences and student teaching; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. Recommended standards (intended to provide a…

Offers a rationale and method for using the hand controllers (game paddles) in the design of computer programs for student use. Methods for their use in entering data as well as in conducting pendulum and acceleration experiments are provided. Complete program listings (for Apple) are included. (JN)

Examines the mastery learning model as proposed by Carroll and Bloom in the context of science instruction, addressing issues related to classroom application. Discusses expected results of implementing mastery learning and its impact on students and teachers, recognizing the additional burden on teacher time required by mastery learning…