From observations of four Canadian elementary schoolteachers, this article describes teacher practice and teacher knowledge within the context of science education. Four assertions emerged from the study what teachers do depends of their biography and experience; teachers search for comfortable patterns of practice; teacher knowledge develops…

This bulletin provides a general description of Alberta's Grade 6 Science Achievement Test which was taken in June 1986. Discussed in this document are: (1) the purpose of the testing program; (2) the nature of the program; (3) students tested (addressing concerns related to exceptions and instruction); (4) administrative regulations; (5)…

This curriculum guide for the natural sciences is intended for use in grades 1-7 in the early French immersion program. The guide presents the following topics: (1) a list of general objectives; (2) a list of simple skills for children aged 5-8 and for children aged 8-12; (3) activities dealing with matter and its properties, space-time, and human…

This publication is an interim edition of a curriculum guide published by the Ministry of Education of British Columbia for use during the 1977-78 school year. This revised guide is to replace the "old" Elementary Science Program first introduced in 1964 (Primary), 1968 (Intermediate and Grade VII), and the alternative Materials Based…

Investigated sex-related differences in science achievement from a science assessment project in British Columbia. Findings (obtained from students in grades 4, 8, and 12) confirm earlier findings that boys outscore girls on items testing understanding and application of scientific knowledge. No sex-related differences on process skills were…

This report presents a literature review of elementary science and design technology education research. The review is intended to provide direction to the elementary science working groups charged with the responsibility to revise the "Alberta Elementary Science Program" (1996) by reflecting current ideas reported in research…

This guide is one of a set of 10 science guides, each covering a separate grade in Manitoba, together covering kindergarten through grade 9. The guides have been designed to provide a framework for building scientific concepts and developing the learning of process skills. They replace an earlier set of guides dated 1979. Each guide is essentially…

The "Habitat" learning system was designed by TVOntario's Children's Programming department for junior-level students. It consists of 20 programs (each 15 minutes long), a teacher's guide, and a magazine for students. Three major objectives of the series were to (1) instruct children in scientific principles relating to habitats; (2)…

This is a condensed report of a study commissioned by the Minister's Advisory Committee on Student Achievement (MACOSA) to study student achievement in science at grades three, six, nine, and twelve in Alberta, Canada. Baseline information for future assessments and a summary of student achievement of curricular objectives were to be provided.…

Describes the Project Approach and how it was used in a Grade 1 exploration of Painted Lady butterflies in Ontario, Canada. Outlines the students' experience with the project and examines the compatibility of the Project Approach with the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum document. Maintains that the Project Approach supports and…

This paper describes how the Canadian province of Saskatchewan responded to demands for science curriculum renewal. Eleven topics for discussion in the science education field study were posed and reactions from teachers and administrators are reported. (YP)

Society has become increasingly aware of the harmful effects that the disposal of chemical waste products have on the environment and human health. Public information is central to the development of a responsible waste management plan. The activities contained in this guide are organized in sequence from kindergarten to grade 12, and provide…

The Science Council of Canada conducted a 4-year study on science education to investigate the past and present place of science education in Canadian schools and to develop recommendations for its future direction. This report, which summarizes the comprehensive study, is organized into 6 chapters. Chapter 1 summarizes and highlights the report.…

The Science Council of Canada conducted a 4-year study on science education in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The study reached the conclusion that renewal science education is essential. This report analyzes the study's findings and presents recommendations for bringing about this renewal. The report is organized in four sections. The…

This exploratory study was aimed at uncovering children's beliefs and ideas about the human circulatory system. Thirty-two subjects, aged 7 to 14 years, were interviewed using a modification of Piaget's clinical method. The data were analyzed by developing a conceptual inventory of beliefs for each of five research questions. It was found that the…