The "Habitat" learning system was designed by TVOntario's Children's Programming department for junior-level students. It consists of 20 programs (each 15 minutes long), a teacher's guide, and a magazine for students. Three major objectives of the series were to (1) instruct children in scientific principles relating to habitats; (2)…

This study determined the status of marine education inclusion into K-12 lessons in North Carolina and reflected some inservice parameters. Analysis of a statewide, K-12 survey indicated: (1) 86% of the teachers responding taught some marine concepts in their classes; (2) the criteria for accessing information differed significantly among primary,…

Examines 11 elementary science texts in terms of conceptual structure and reasoning demands using concept maps. Reports that (1) the conceptual structures vary widely across texts; (2) most of the structures are well defined; and (3) the reasoning demands are above the developmental capabilities of most of primary-level children. (Author/YP)

Classroom teachers frequently express concern that textbooks and other curriculum materials are too difficult for their students. The objectives of this investigation were to develop a method for scoring the Level of Abstraction (LOA) of science reading material, and explore its relationship with certain other known methods for assessing…

This report is designed to help teachers and supervisors in teaching the New York State Elementary Syllabus in kindergarten through grade two. The curriculum emphasized a hands-on inquiry approach, and included both science process skills and content objectives. This is a report of the Comprehensive Instructional Management System (CIMS)-Science…

Discusses an American Chemical Society (ACS)'s report on science education which is a synthesis of a series of policies developed by ACS. Summarizes recommendations in four areas: elementary teacher education; pre-high school curricula; university research funding; and underrepresented populations. (YP)

Provided are edited background papers prepared for a Meeting of Experts on the Incorporation of Science and Technology in the Primary School Curriculum. Papers are organized into four major sections. Section 1 is concerned with such topics as the rationale and objectives of science and technology in primary schools, selection of appropriate…

This paper discusses the development of new curricula, materials, and equipment in Japan. The first section, "The Development of New Curricula," discusses the National Curriculum Council and the improvement of the content of instruction, including basic directions for improvement, the structure and content of school subjects, and the…

The first (exploratory) phase of the Learning in Science Project focused on science teaching/learning in the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14) and sought to identify problems and difficulties in several areas. Provided in this paper are comments obtained during structured/unstructured interviews (from students, ex-students, teachers, headmasters,…

Investigates superintendents' needs in mathematics and science instruction. Used was a Likert-type questionnaire covering teacher quality, teacher supply, minority access, materials and equipment, and curriculum for non-academic students. A follow-up telephone survey examined the types of materials and equipment most needed. (YP)