Investigated divergence in science performance between U.S. and Japanese elementary students. Data from observations and analysis of science lessons in Japanese schools highlighted eight science activity structures and a rough order of occurrence in typical science lessons. These activity structures support a coherent inquiry process, and they may…

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…

This book shares the lessons learned by a large community of educational researchers and science teachers as they designed, developed, and investigated a new technology-enhanced learning environment known as WISE: The Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment. WISE offers a collection of free, customizable curriculum projects on topics central to the…

Presented is a study of a science program for upper elementary and middle school children encouraging the development of logical thinking skills, describing variables, interpreting and criticizing experiments, and understanding experiment design. To provide a basis for the program, the students suggested projects to be done and developed…

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)

Reports a study undertaken to determine the effect of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) on logical thinking. Evidence of logical thinking was measured as the ability to explain compensating variables that occurred in a cart experiment presented on silent 16 mm film. (GS)

Research has shown that technology-enhanced visualizations can improve inquiry learning in science when they are designed to support knowledge integration. Visualizations play an especially important role in supporting science learning at elementary and middle school levels because they can make unseen and complex processes visible. We identify 4…

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)

This study represents one of the first major summative evaluations of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS), a federally funded, six-year elementary science program. An instrument was designed for measuring the effects of SCIS on the stated goal of the curriculum, the development of scientific literacy. Subjects were rural sixth-grade…

Compares the effectiveness of interactive free choice learning experiences to and combined with the lecture-demonstration approach in teaching sixth-grade children (N=50) to criticize and control experiments. Results contradict Piagetian theory regarding the importance of interactive experiences and exposure to materials in fostering these…

Investigates the cognitive and social aspects of a mainstreamed setting for deaf children. Twelve mainstreamed deaf subjects, placed with nonhandicapped children in an elementary school, were compared with nine resource deaf subjects. The reactions of nonhandicapped to handicapped children was also assessed. Results of cognitive tests showed no…

Reported is a study to investigate the effects of a free-choice program on children's ability to interpret experiments, design simple investigations, and recognize variables that could affect the outcome of observed events. (Author/SA)

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)

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…

Gives historical account of research and practices associated with precollege science laboratories. Described three social contexts of research on science laboratories: separation, interaction, and partnership. Argues that more partnerships are needed to continue improvement to the science laboratory, suggesting that future partnerships will…