This research described in this paper firstly explored teachers' ideas about scientific literacy using an interview technique. Secondly, using a longitudinal case study approach, it examined how, following their participation in a professional development program, primary teachers presented opportunities during their science lessons for their…

The purpose of this document is to provide background to the text and recommended actions of the Australian School Science Education National Action Plan, 2007-2012. The first part presents a synthesis of the national and international research used to identify gaps and overlaps amongst activities related to school science education in …

In 2001, the Australian Government released a report, commissioned by the then Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, entitled "The Status and Quality of Teaching and Learning of Science in Australian Schools" (Goodrum, Hackling, & Rennie, 2001). Its recommendations included actions to address raising community…

Presents research which sets out to establish two pictures: one of the ideal regarding the teaching and learning of science, the other of the reality of what is actually happening in Australian schools. Identifies issues and implications for science teachers and the profession. (MM)

The observational data from a project which was designed to implement and monitor the effects of an inservice program in facilitating a non-sexist approach to the teaching of science in Australian primary schools are reported in this paper. Descriptions and analyses are provided both of the children's participation in activity-centered lessons on…

Reports an investigation of the perceptions of technology of teachers who are the heads of their school science departments. Relates these perceptions with those of a sample of 13-year-old pupils. Reveals that many teachers have a restricted view of technology. Discusses the implications of findings for curriculum change. (CW)

This paper reports the results of a longitudinal study of the relationship between affect and achievement in high school science. The conceptual model for science-related affect proposes that students' enjoyment in, and enthusiasm for science are determined by their perceptions of their past performance in science, their expected future…

The outcomes of two studies reported here indicate that the teacher inservice workshops, combined with activity-based science lessons, affected students' attitudes and perceptions about electricity. Australian and U.S. studies produced different patterns and are explored and explained in the paper. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/PR)

In the mid to late 1980s, observers of education in Western Australia witnessed considerable educational change. Following an inquiry into education in Western Australia (Beazley, 1984), several major changes were made in secondary school curricula, procedures of assessment, and methods of certification. This paper explores some of the…

Reports on a large-scale study that investigated the quality of science teaching and learning in Australian schools. Purposes were to: (1) describe ideal practice in the teaching and learning of school science; (2) describe the nature of science teaching and learning in Australian schools; and (3) make recommendations to move the actual closer to…

Focuses on the interactive science center and its history over the last four decades. Traces the original idea to Francis Bacon. Recommends the use of cross-site studies to develop a model of learning in this setting. Contains 141 references. (DDR)

Reviews the science enrollment and achievement patterns of males and females studying in a new high school unit curriculum structure in Western Australia. The data indicate that lowering the age for subject choice is associated with a reduction in the amount of science studied, especially by females, and with the early manifestation of…

Writing/drawing activities, picture quizzes, and questionnaires of elementary school children in England and Australia found that the high profile of design and make in the England and Wales Technology National Curriculum was reflected by children's emphasis on model-making, an aspect generally ignored by Australian children. (34 references)…

During a symposium in 1997, speakers raised three issues about gender equity and research: (1) distinguishing between the meanings of the terms gender and sex, (2) assuring that science methods classes are gender inclusive, and (3) determining the reasons for changing practice. (DDR)

Focuses on female performance in science and mathematics in a single-sex classroom setting. Reports the circumstances under which teachers were able to implement gender-inclusive strategies in single-sex science classes in coeducational high schools and documents some of the difficulties faced. Gathers qualitative and quantitative data from…