The National Science Foundation funded a project to: (1) identify major areas of science education research in which sufficient studies have been conducted to permit useful generalizations for educational practice; (2) conduct meta-analyses of each of these areas; and (3) prepare a compendium of these meta-analyses along with interpretative and…

This paper examines various aspects of teaching science to visually impaired students. It is based on the premise that students with visual impairments should acquire scientific literacy and should be encouraged to pursue science-related careers. It is not designed to make science teachers specialists but to increase their awareness to the unique…

This report presents a description and evaluation of the Nature-Computer Camp (NCC), an environmental and computer science program designed for sixth grade students in the District of Columbia public schools. Inputs, processes and outcomes based on a Planning, Monitoring and Implementing (PMI) Evaluation Model are reviewed for each of the four…

With traditional science textbooks still dominating the market, it is projected that the use of print material and related reading skills will persist as the prime method of science instruction. The need to research reading-science issues exists. This paper attempts to define the task or desired outcomes of research in reading-science dimensions.…

The Minnesota Science Education Task Force initiated a state-wide survey in 1983 to assess the current status of science education in Minnesota schools. This process involved instrument revision, sample design, data collection, file preparation and analysis. Questionnaires were modified to obtain information on the role of science teachers, the…

Presented is an annotated list of 422 science education research reports published during 1983. Provided with each entry is the title, author(s), source, annotation, and (when applicable) educational level. Also provided is the ED number for those items available from the Educational Document Reproduction Service (EDRS). The following types of…

This article discusses the foundations for the assessment of primary science learning with a focus on the place of assessment in the curriculum, the association between pedagogy and assessment, and the role of formative and summative assessment. Alternative strategies are recommended for the assessment of science learning at primary level, and…

This document contains most of the evaluation instruments and instructions for evaluation used in the 1973-76 field test of Levels I, II, and III of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Human Sciences Program, a 3-year, interdisciplinary science program for 11- to 14-year olds. Since the materials were retrieved from teachers guides,…

This document consists of energy vocabulary activities, three games, worksheets, laboratory activities/exercises, and an introductory classroom exercise designed to introduce energy concepts to students. Vocabulary activities focus on coal and energy consumption. The three games (with instructions) focus on various aspects of energy and energy…

Presented is a compilation of papers focusing on new questions and new directions for research in science education. Papers are grouped into one of three related fields of research: (1) analysis of curriculum materials, especially science textbooks; (2) investigations of science understandings of students and experts; and (3) investigations of the…

Four science education fact sheets are presented and focus on: (1) creationism vs. evolution; (2) science careers; (3) science activities for special students; and (4) the role of the laboratory in science teaching. The first fact sheet was prepared to assist teachers, curriculum coordinators, and others in dealing with the teaching of evolution…

One hundred eighty studies of science inservice projects reported in the literature from 1973-1980 were reviewed. Sixteen of these studies contained sufficient data for meta-analysis (technique by which treatment effects can be quantified, standardized, and compared using a "size effect" statistic). The magnitude of the effect of the…

Science programs which take place outside the traditional classroom and beyond the usual school hours are listed. The programs (designed for all ages and educational levels and scheduled after school, on Saturdays, evenings, and during summer months) are offered in multidisciplinary science centers located in larger cities, small town museums,…

This critical review synthesizes information related to the use of the laboratory in science programs. Several approaches to the use and/or role of the laboratory in science teaching are presented, including historical and research perspectives, opinion statements, a review of current research, and suggestions for future research. Concluding…

As a supplement to the teacher's guide for the first unit of a bilingual program in science/math for grade one, these instructional aids and ditto sheets are designed to help the teacher carry out instructional activities for kits one through four referred to in the guide. Emphasizing resources found in the classroom, the visual aids and…