Investigated were children's reactions when allowed to choose their own apparatus and perform experiments with appropriate directions available. Few students invented their own experiments; most followed the available printed instructions. (SL)

This study was conducted to analyze the classification ability of middle class, culturally diverse, and visually impaired children after instruction in a Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) unit. The SCIS unit was effective in improving student abilities to classify. (PS)

Examines a free choice program and ways seventh graders choose their own activities in five science categories: (1) Mechanical; (2) Physics; (3) Chemistry; (4) Biology, and (5) Combinational. Results suggest that the challenge format for the activities allows students to practice what they have learned and consolidate their knowledge. (HM)

Reports an investigation concerning whether additional concrete experiences with objects will foster the logical development of blind children. The success of the Adapting Science Materials for the Blind (ASMB) units for various goals and various learner groups are discussed and tentative conclusions drawn. Significant gains were made. (EB)

Discussed are how a free choice environment can be established in the classroom, the motivational advantages to including free choice in an enrichment program, and how implementing a free choice environment can serve as a teacher training tool. Several free choice studies are described. In one such study, a free choice situation was set up in…

The development and administration of a scientific literacy test designed to measure achievement of the objectives of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) project is described. Students who had completed the six year SCIS curricula were compared with those who had used other science materials. SCIS subjects scored significantly higher…

Reports on an investigation designed to study the ability of 11 to 17 year old students to control variables when presented with science problem situations in three types of question formats (free response, multiple choice, screen question). (HM)