This study was designed to assess the effect of a process oriented elementary science curriculum upon students' achievement. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) Complete Battery with the social studies and science supplements was administered to sixth grade students completing one, two, or three years of the Science through Discovery program in…

This publication is one in a series of 12 giving the recommendations that were made for a broad and balanced education program in science for young people. Section one of this guide discusses gender-related issues raised by examining the interests, attitudes, aspirations and behavior that young people bring with them into science classes. Section…

This report presents some of the results of two national surveys which assessed the performance of 13-year-old students in science. It includes an outline of the assessment framework; some of the questions which were written to match it; a description of how well, and how differently, students responded to the questions; and suggests how the…

Provides an overview of physics teaching in Canada. Responds to questions involving the curriculum, efforts to promote gender equity, teaching methods, high school physics teachers, physics teaching organizations, and educational trends. (27 references) (MDH)

This ERIC Digest presents a brief description of some applications and findings of the microcomputer in science classrooms. It is suggested that microcomputer simulations are at least as effective as hands-on experiences for some cognitive outcomes and may in fact enhance these outcomes when the simulations are sequenced to follow hands-on…

This study reports the preferences students expressed in regard to problem-solving modes for resolving environmental problems. There were many differences between students at different grades and between girls and boys. Implications for teaching are suggested. (YP)

Synthesized are the results of five qualitative investigations of high school science classrooms in Western Australia and in the state of Georgia. Gender differences were observed in each study and teachers were not aware of their occurrence. (Author/YP)

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,…

This book highlights women's achievements in science and mathematics from the first century A.D. to the present. Included are paleontologists, geologists, astronomers, mathematicians, chemists, botanists, biologists, engineers, physicians entomologists, and atomic physicists. Their noteworthy accomplishments are translated to students through…

Many studies have confirmed that students' interest in physics decreases during the secondary school level and that girls are, in general, less interested in physics than boys. This is an interim report of a six-year cross sectional and longitudinal study investigating the structure of interest in physics and technology and the relationship of…

Reported are two studies considering factors affecting students' attitudes to science by using television programs. Describes the results on students' attitudes by sex and grades. Hypothesized that the use of space programs and other fantastic aspects of science could improve the attitudes of children towards science. (Author/YP)

This collection of papers explores the nature of contemporary science and attempts to further a view of science that is "different, better, feminist, and emancipating." Most of the papers were presented in their original form at a symposium, Feminist Perspectives on Science, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in April, 1985. Included are: (1)…

Student variables which influence attainment of ecological concepts and conceptual systems were investigated. Researcher-designed paper/pencil and free-sort categorization tests were administered to 256 Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) students in grades 4-6. Findings are: (1) grade and ability, not sex, influenced concept attainment…

Presents results of a study which examined science achievement, attitudes, sex differences, and racial differences among nine-year-olds. Also compares these results to those from three previous National Assessment of Educational Progress studies. Implications for elementary school science instruction are included. (JN)

Included in this section are articles on the following topics: science education for pupils with learning difficulties, the Engineering Council, differential achievement in early childhood according to sex, a peer tutoring program, and suggestions for involving students in recording their own achievement. (CW)