Teachers and scientists indicated, by questionnaire, that elementary science curricula should emphasize the importance of biology for self-understanding and the development of positive attitudes toward science. Secondary level curricula should emphasize subject matter, history of science, and application of biology in life. (CP)

Reports on gender differences in achievement, attitudes, preferences, learning experiences and study habits of four groups of Israeli 12th grade students, three of which specialized in the sciences and one group which studied no science. Concludes that girls are generally less interested in studying science and have less positive attitudes toward…

Investigates the scope and nature of tasks demanding students' application of higher order thinking skills while studying biology in junior and senior high schools in Israel. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Identifies factors which affect students' attitudes toward the use of animals in research and in learning biology. Responses of students (N=577) in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 to questionnaires were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance by grade level and sex. Results and implications are discussed. (CS)

Presented is an analysis of 40 research studies which compared the achievement in science and the attitudes of Israeli male and female students toward science and science learning. Grades covered include 5-12. A list of 55 references is included. (CW)

Presents task analysis of the laboratory inquiries of the BSCS Yellow Version. Three important deficiencies are identified: (1) Students do not identify and formulate problems; (2) Students get little chance to conduct investigations; and (3) Post-laboratory discussions are not indicated. (MA)

Results from Biology Cognitive Preference Inventory taken by grade 12 Jewish (N=406) and Arab (N=297) biology majors revealed similarities between cognitive preferences, achievement, and background variables. Reports that, in spite of substantial cultural and home differences, both groups became oriented toward principles/questioning rather than…

Identified strategies high school students (n=174) use in studying from textbooks and their relationships to selected environmental and personal variables. Found some students always use the same strategies whereas others study differently for different purposes. Most study longer for tests. Outlines were the most widely used study tool. (15…

This study describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by a project in Israel entitled Biology Critical Thinking (BCT). The BCT project aims at developing a pool of activities that can be incorporated within the regular course of study without investing too much extra time. The purposes of the study are: (1) to present the…

Compared transactions in junior/senior high biology classes and indentified relationships between classroom conditions, lesson format, and instructional activities. Found instruction characterized by inquiry-oriented, laboratory-based learning led and guided by the teacher, with only medium dependence on the textbook. Also found the Structured…

Describes the use of concept mapping (CM) in design, instruction, and assessment related to microbiology lessons prepared for high school students in Israel. Indicates that students utilizing CM displayed an overall, higher achievement gain than students in traditional classes. Recognizes that some teachers did not thoroughly exploit the potential…

An evaluation instrument, the Concept Inventory, was designed to be diagnostic, and to be helpful for student self-evaluation. A sample test instrument is shown along with some sample results. A discussion of test results is included. A bibliography is appended. (AJ)

Surveys the participation of secondary school mathematics and science teachers in inservice training activities in Israel. Results indicate the majority of inservice training participation occurs during summer months with little involvement, other than reading, occurring during the school year. (SL)

This study describes grade 12 students in Israel (N=2277) and examines the relationships between certain background variables and student achievement in science. Discusses findings related to achievement and the variables of gender, major field of study, home background, school-related practices, prior studies, and future intentions. (ML)