This study was conducted to investigate the extent to which preservice teachers held alternative conceptions in elementary science concepts. Eighty-six preservice elementary teachers participated in this study. Twelve preservice elementary teachers participated in follow-up interviews. Data were collected through the use of Alternative Conceptions…

Science/Technology/Society (STS) as a reform effort has been active in Iowa for three decades. A program called Iowa Chautauqua has evolved over the four decades to promote K-12 STS teaching in Iowa's 300 school districts. This is a study of how teachers have become Teacher Leaders of the reforms and lead other teachers who enroll as new teachers…

Fifteen 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-grade teachers from five school districts each taught two sections of science--one with a Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach and the other with a more traditional textbook approach in which basic science concepts were the major organizers. Local, current, and personally relevant issues provided the context and…

Discusses criteria used in selecting the 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) exemplary elementary science, inquiry, science/technology/science programs. Includes lists of winners in these three areas. (JN)

Defends the definition of science education as the interface of science and society, pointing out the fallacies of an alternative definition promulgated by Good, Herron, Lawson, and Renner who, in a previous article (SE 537 615) examined and rejected the science/society interface definition in favor of their own definition. (DH)

Based on the Project Synthesis findings presented in "What Research Says to the Science Teacher," (NSTA, 1981), seven priorities are listed for improving science education for the remainder of this century, including the need for a new rationale which takes into account our technologically oriented society. (JN)

Presents position statements indicating the necessity of laboratory experiences for the teaching and learning of science in the elementary school. Three different perspectives are addressed: research, curriculum, and teaching. (DS)

A major study sponsored by the National Science Foundation says most science education is characterized by traditional teaching of the contents of textbooks. (Author)

Breaks nutrition education into four steps: learning fundamental concepts; applying newly acquired knowledge; evaluating the learning experiences as well as the applications; and reinforcing positive habits. Provides several suggestions for activities in these areas. (JM)

Results from studies dealing with students' views toward science teachers/classes, usefulness of science study, and what it is like to be a scientist are reviewed and analyzed. Studies include National Assessment of Educational Progress data and data from an Iowa follow-up study and a study of a large school district. (JN)

The meanings of eight science terms (volume, organism, motion, energy, molecule, cell, enzyme, fossil) were studied by 9-, 13-, and 17-year-olds. Results indicate that the schools were ineffective in increasing numbers of students who mastered these terms between seventh and eleventh grade. Reasons for this finding are discussed. (Author/JN)

Reports the proposed indicators of desired directions and future foci for science education. Lists indicators most frequently mentioned by persons involved in the 1979 annual meetings of the National Association of Research in Science Teaching and the National Science Teachers Association. Implications are discussed. (CS)

Surveyed 114 teachers (100 percent response rate) associated with exemplary elementary science programs on longevity, confidence, professional involvement, familiarity of curricular materials, inservice, and teaching methods. Comparison with a national sample indicates these teachers have long-term program involvement, a great deal of confidence,…

Highlights a 1982 follow-up study to the 1977 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Third Assessment of Science. Results indicate that a majority of elementary school students had positive attitudes toward science and those who teach this subject. (JN)

Highlights activities of the National Science Teachers' Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) program. The program involves searching for exemplary programs which can become models for designing new programs. A list of six SESE exemplars chosen for onsite study is provided. (JN)