This document reports on a study of 48 kindergarten children in Israel regarding their concepts of "solid" and "liquid." Children were asked to classify a set of 30 materials into two groups (a group of 9 liquids and a group of 21 solids). About 65% could classify liquids correctly, 50% could classify rigid materials correctly,…

Tested Ausubel/Novak hypothesis that primary grade students can learn meaningfully certain aspects of science concepts in the "reception learning" model. Revised audio-tutorial instruction unit on earth based on understanding children's misconceptions; assessed impact of revised units with second graders; and compared results to concept…

Test data from 1,305 Israeli fifth graders involved in the Second International Science Study were analyzed to assess the role of in-school versus out-of-school activities on scientific knowledge. Most of the knowledge that children master within the school is the same as that which they master outside the school. (TJH)

Compares the reasoning capabilities of preservice elementary school teachers before and after their involvement in a remedial science program that incorporated instruction in basic conceptual knowledge with reasoning strategies about manipulation of variables and logical inference. Discussion of results emphasizes recurring logical fallacies. (22…

In this project, we suggest building a real model of solar village inside schools, which use only solar energy. Such projects emphasize the importance of energy for a technological society and the advantage of alternative energy sources. In this study, we report on pupils in the 6th grade in three elementary schools in Israel who were active…

Deals with the issue of water education, including problems, what should be done, what can be done, and what to do. Presents two curricular units on water and two interdisciplinary, environmentally oriented courses for use in Israel. (YP)

Described are successful science activities which have been conducted on an international telecommunications network which links schools in the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Israel. Examined are several activities currently being developed. Reports an innovative way to involve a wide range of students in the scientific process. (MVL)

Describes the adaptation process involved in modifying the outdoor biology instructional strategies (OBIS) project to the local environment and educational system in Israel. (HM)

Presented are abstracts and abstractors' analyses of 10 studies related to science instruction and 3 studies related to science curriculum. Analyses in the first section (instruction) are on studies of: the influence of instructional structure and focus of control on achievement; effects of individualized audio-tutorial and frontal…