A comparative study of student achievement in botany and zoology based on data of 10 studies conducted in 20 countries. Up to age 14, students achieve better in zoology; after age 14, students achieve better in botany. Based on the findings, recommendations are suggested regarding curriculum planning, laboratory work and the need for specific…

The demonstration of a simple viscosity experiment for high school classes was conducted and assessed. The purpose of the demonstration was to elicit the interest of high school juniors and seniors in the field of chemical engineering. The demonstration consisted of a discussion on both engineering and the concept of viscosity as well as a…

Describes the services and publications provided by the Centre for Short-Lived Phenomena of the Smithsonian Institute which can be used as stimulus material for secondary science courses. (BR)

The "Science Related to Life" textbooks are written to supply the need of elementary science teachers with textbooks that can be used independently by pupils. Throughout the series the author has kept in mind the aims of elementary science, as recognized by modern courses of study, namely to develop in pupils an interest in the natural…

White students in predominantly middle-class schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, who had used "Science - A Process Approach" in grades one through three, and students in an unidentified control group, were administered tests of intelligence, reading achievement, arithmetic achievement, and interest in science. The following significant…

Describes knowledge and attitudes regarding human genetics and biology among a sample of high school students. Also describes how the tests they use serve their interests in these two topics. (BB)

Describes a study investigating the use of class discussion following a period of unstructured observation and experimentation as a method of increasing the student's ability to view scientific problems as useful starting points for investigation. (SL)

Reports on a high school egg dropping contest as a means of increasing student interest in science. (SL)

Examined the effect of matching learners' cognitive styles with science learning activities on changes in science knowledge and attitudes. Fifty-six elementary education majors, identified as Sensing Feeling types on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, participated in the study. Results revealed no significant differences between matched and…

Reviews findings of a recent survey on technological literacy. Reports that although public interest in science is relatively high, understanding of the mechanisms, impacts, and implications of major technologies is low. Offers suggestions for instructional improvement with science, society, and technology topics. (ML)

Investigated A-level subject choices of students recorded before taking the O-level examination and the actual choices made. Achievement levels, influence of such factors as sex, overall ability, reasons for selecting O-level, type of school, and subject patterns in the fourth and fifth years were considered. (JN)

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education uses space exploration as a theme to create a positive learning experience that raises students' expectations of success; fosters in them a long-term interest in math, science, and technology; and motivates them to pursue studies in these areas. This document is a feasibility report for…

The Working Group on Women in Physics of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) subcontracted with the American Institute of Physics to conduct an international study of women in physics in two phases. The first part was a benchmarking study to identify reliable sources and collect data on the representation of women in…

This educator's guide discusses whether there is water on the planet Mars. The activities, written for grades 9-12, concern physical, earth, and space sciences. By experimenting with water as it changes state and investigating some effects of air pressure, students not only learn core ideas in physical science but can also deduce the water…

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of levels of participation and award structure of science fairs on elementary students' attitudes toward science and interests in science. Fifth grade students participated in one of four science fairs: mandatory/competitive, mandatory/noncompetitive, voluntary/competitive, or…