School closures because of natural phenomena, such as COVID-19, underscore long-standing gaps in access to science education in the United States of America, particularly for young students. When educators have to pivot to deliver virtual instruction, it is important to identify feasible remote learning strategies for science content across formal…

This qualitative study explores the in- and out-of-school experiences that could have influenced elementary preservice teachers? beliefs and attitudes toward learning and teaching science. Participants were 126 Latina/o EC-6 preservice teachers in the context of a 16-week undergraduate level elementary methods course. Data sources consisted of…

In this study, the researcher explored the relationship between K-8 STEM science teachers' self-efficacy and factors that contribute to building positive self-efficacy. The factors correlated to self-efficacy in this study were STEM teachers' type of certification, the number of hours per week spent in collaboration with peers, the number of…

This study explores the role elementary school principals play in science education. Specifically, the study employed an online survey of 16 elementary school principals at high-performing campuses in North Texas to explore their perceptions of how they influenced science education on their campuses. The survey used a combination of Likert-type…

Federal educational policy, "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001", focused attention on America's education with conspicuous results. One aspect, "highly qualified classroom teacher" and "principal" (HQ), was taxing since states established individual accountability structures. The HQ impact and use of data-informed…

The purpose of this study was to determine if grade level configuration and student achievement in science, specifically fifth grade Science TAKS scores are related. This study utilized a causal comparative (ex post facto) design to determine if a consistent relationship existed between fifth grade students' success on the science TAKS at the…

Introduces a science program that provides an exciting, safe, and interactive educational experience. Describes activities and the impact of this program. (KHR)

Reports on a study conducted in the Richardson Independent School District (Texas) which was designed to assess the attitudes toward science of students and teachers who have been involved with the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) compared to non-SCIS students and teachers. (TW)

This guide contains activities from the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center programs for children ages 8 to 12 years. The multisensory activities help students improve their observational skills and utilize activity sheets, journals, and hands-on projects to involve them. Children observe, draw, and photograph animals in their natural settings and…

In anticipation of House Bill 246 (now Texas Administrative Code Chapter 75) which requires an inquiry-based, process-approach to the teaching of science, the Richardson Independent School District established the Elementary Science Pilot Project and adopted the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) as part of their new K-6 Science through…

This is the fourth in a series of eight newsletters highlighting best practices presented at the 2009 HSTW Staff Development Conference in Atlanta. These newsletters contain information about successful actions schools across the nation are taking to join hands-on and heads-on learning in ways that increase student motivation and achievement. This…

This paper set describes the implementation and evaluation efforts associated with the Richardson Independent School District's elementary science program which has been recognized as a Texas state exemplar in the National Association for Research in Science Teaching's (NSTA) 1985 Search for Excellence. Part I of the paper set outlines the network…

Describes an 18-month program for improving science teaching in Texas elementary schools. Designed for teachers from schools of all income levels, the program stressed inquiry learning methods. Teachers learned to write constructivist curriculum modules, which they later piloted at a summer science camp that stimulated children's creative…

Described is the proposed implementation of Scope, Sequence and Coordination into California and Houston schools. The rationale behind this project is discussed. The curriculum, arranged developmentally, merges different scientific subjects via discipline-bridging themes. (KR)

A pretest/posttest administered to 480 fourth-graders revealed an increase in correct responses for 9 of 10 questions following participation in an agricultural science fair. Significant increases were related to knowledge of how agriculture affects everyday life. A teacher survey (n=89) indicated that it was a positive learning experience but…