Selected materials needed to teach an astronomy unit as well as suggested procedures, activities, ideas, and astronomy fact sheets published by the Manitoba Planetarium are provided. Subjects of the fact sheets include: publications and classroom picture sets available from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and facts and statistics…

The absence of suitable instruments to measure scientific inquiry skills, and the inability of teachers to construct their own tests to measure mastery of science skills led the Peterborough County (Ontario) Board of Education to develop skill-oriented curriculum guidelines in response to changes in Ministry of Education priorities in science.…

This document, published by the Ministry of Education of British Columbia, represents an extensive modification of the 1969 permissive elementary science program, a materials-based program which necessitates the involvement of students in scientific activities and explorations. Science teaching involves the student in the processes of science.…

Interviews with 20 engineers revealed that their approach to technological problem-solving bore little resemblance to the model of "problem-solving through technology" in the Alberta elementary science curriculum. Engineers emphasized the importance of context and previous experience in making decisions about each unique situation,…

This study explored the usefulness of an approach to science instruction which specifically considered children's spontaneous conceptions about natural phenomena. The aim of the instruction was the development of conceptual understanding. The instructional approach involved diagnosing children's spontaneous conceptions, making them aware of their…

This curriculum guide provides: (1) information on the philosophy of the elementary school science program in Alberta; (2) a list of eight general objectives for science education; (3) 11 statements which identify the desirable characteristics of an elementary science program; (4) a discussion of inquiry in elementary science, considering process…

Thirty teachers and 718 students in grades 4, 5, and 6 in Edmonton, Alberta participated in a study to determine the value of simultaneous one-way television and group telephone conferencing (compared to conventional instruction) for teaching LANDSAT imagery. Results indicate that: (1) a 5-hour instruction period is sufficient to train elementary…

Based on the proceedings of a workshop prompted by a study of science education in Canada conducted by the Science Council of Canada, this document examines the relationship between girls and science education. The workshop addressed three major questions: (1) To what extent are girls in Canadian schools avoiding the study of science? (2) What…

Written as part of a series for the Science Council of Canada, this publication focuses on elementary and secondary school science education as it effects students in general and those pursuing engineering and technical careers in particular. Section one examines post-Sputnik science education and claims that an overly narrow emphasis on pure…

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…

This four-part guide provides suggestions to help teachers and students get the maximum benefit from a visit to the La Mauricie National Park in Quebec Province, Canada. The first part contains introductory comments, program objectives, an overall view of the park (including its features and services available), use of an appended exploration map,…

A conceptual basis for a major study on science education in Canada to be conducted by the Science Council of Canada is presented. Section one explains the rationale behind the study. Different people argue that the relevance of science to daily living has been lost and that science education should therefore focus on the purpose of science rather…

Originally prepared for the Science Council of Canada, this document presents a rationale and general framework for a science and society curriculum for Canadian students. Pointing out ways in which citizens are scientifically illiterate, it argues that science education must address social issues and prepare individuals to make social and…

Recommendations from British Columbia teachers in elementary (N=1322) and junior secondary schools (N=309) indicate strong support for emphasis on practical aspects of preservice teacher education. Practice in science teaching, techniques of science teaching, and lesson planning were rated highest. Laboratory safety, reading, and writing should…

Describes environmental education activities available in the Northwest Territories including the "Science Alive" project, the "Dial-an-Expert" service and a science fair program provided by the Science Institute of the Northwest Territories. Gives an outline of the Institute. Provides some demographic and geographic data of…