Traces science curriculum development efforts in elementary and secondary schools in Great Britian. Calls for changes in the curriculum so that all students above the age of 16 take science courses. Considers the possible impacts on vocational courses, and on college courses in science, engineering, and teacher education. (TW)

Contains eight articles relating to various topics in science education in Great Britain. Includes science and drama, energy education, science curriculum evaluation, science achievement, a sequential learning approach, multicultural science education, children's images of scientists, and humanizing science education. (TW)

Science education and the preparation of science teachers have been of great concern over the past two decades. This research investigated the influence of an extended elementary science teaching practicum upon preservice elementary teachers' (N=19) science self-efficacy. It explored both quantitatively and qualitatively the progression of teacher…

This paper describes a major reform effort of an elementary science curriculum called the Science: Parents, Activities, and Literature (Science PALs) Project. The goal of the project was to move teachers towards an interactive-constructivist model of teaching and learning that assumes a middle-of-the-road interpretation of constructivism where…

This article is about the relationship between teaching and learning. It is based on data from the Project on Learning, in which the experiences of individual students during science and social studies units in 5th and 6th grade classrooms are related to what they learn from these units. Activity theory is used to identify what determines how…

Approximately 130 community colleges in the U.S. are designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Census Bureau predicts that there will be approximately 21 million Hispanic residents in the U.S. by 2025. A total of 55% of Hispanic students seeking undergraduate degrees are enrolled in community colleges. Therefore, it is critical that…

As an alternative to the drill and practice worksheets that typically supplement student learning, this book provides a reference for kindergarten through fifth grade teachers containing ideas for interactive activities to invigorate daily lessons in many areas of the elementary school curriculum, as well as providing ideas for home school…

Teachers' subject matter knowledge is a particularly important issue in science education in that it influences instructional practices across subject areas and at different grade levels. This paper provides an overview of efforts to develop a unique elementary science methods course and related field experience through a partnership between…

Reviews the history of elementary/lower secondary school science, appraising the impact of various curriculum projects. Summarizes United Nations involvement in providing leadership and support in curriculum development. Concludes with a review of science education research and the interrelationships between local culture and science teaching, and…

Examines the role of affective behavioral objectives in science education. Includes a survey of what "affective" means from various perspectives. Defines "scientific attitudes" versus "attitudes to science" to clarify a conceptual framework for research. Presents problems with previous research and raises basic…

Addresses issues related to the mortality of elementary science programs, considering role of curriculum planners, teachers, and building principals. Gives examples of factors responsible (in the form of a "10 most wanted poster") with at least one countermeasure for each. (JM)

Reports results of the meta-analysis of 130 research studies on effects of instructional systems used in science teaching. Studies coded gave rise to 341 effect sizes. Systems examined included audio-tutorial, computer-linked, individualized, and media-based instructional systems, personalized system of instruction, mastery learning, self-directed…

Compared formal reasoning responses of seventh-and eighth-grade students on three tests of formal reasoning. The three tests differ only in the mode of equipment presentation on identical test items and problems. Tests included three-dimension demonstration (Lawson), two-dimension showing drawings of materials used in three-dimensional test, and…

Describes activities, demonstrations, and materials suitable for middle school science, including investigations on solar energy, surface tension, exploding cottages, worms and light, airplanes, depolarizing simple cells, and the thermal expansion of metals. (JN)

A Microelectronics Education Programme-funded project is developing computer assisted learning modules in the languages, science, and craft/design technology, as well as fostering computer awareness. The project's goal is to produce materials which will pave the way for the rapidly changing curriculum in addition to producing materials for…