The use of the inquiry approach in the teaching of elementary science is examined and advocated in this publication. The position that an inquiry approach is the best way to teach and learn science is upheld and its influence on the development of positive attitudes towards science is stressed. Section titles include: (1) "A Tale of Two Teachers"…

This newsletter describes an ongoing empirical field study involving a description and analysis of practical teaching situations aimed at describing the content and structure of pupils' frames of reference. The project takes the form of a series of case studies in classes of the 3-year lines of upper secondary schools in Sweden. The study seeks to…

The reviews of articles contained in this issue have been grouped into those dealing with research related to cognitive development and to instruction. In addition, seven science education researchers have provided responses to critiques of their published research. Included are: (1) an analysis of an article designed to persuade researchers to…

The results of the first International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement (IEA) survey of science subjects are summarized in this document. The purpose of this survey was to gather data from nationally represented samples of schools, teachers, and pupils from 19 countries and determine the factors accounting for variations…

Eight programs are described that are representative of the variety of approaches to the problem of integrating the sciences and humanities. The reason why integration of science, humanities, and the social sciences is important in the undergraduate learning experience is addressed in an essay by George W. Hazzard entitled, "Knowledge…

Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Let's Hear It for the Herps!" Contents are organized into the…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of ten articles dealing with various aspects of teacher education are presented in this journal issue. Studies reviewed focused on: (1) preservice secondary science teachers' understanding of the nature of science; (2) laboratory teaching skills; (3) science backgrounds of elementary teachers; (4) use of…

The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) helps teachers by offering a broad assortment of services that enable them to quickly locate educational resources. This document is one in a series of print catalogs designed to give educators information about curriculum resources available for teaching math and…

This brief examines changes in research and development emphasis in the academic sector--which conducts roughly half of the nation's basic research--by analyzing shifts in the science and engineering field shares during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Both the shifting distribution of overall funds among science and engineering fields and the effects…

Presented is a bibliography of publications related to the application of the social sciences to various aspects of forestry. The major categories under which documents are classified involve social science as it applies to: 1) forestry in general; 2) forestry's productive agents; 3) forest production; 4) manufacturing; and 5) marketing, trade,…

Exploratorium Magazine communicates ideas that exhibits cannot easily demonstrate, extending the museum beyond its physical walls. This issue takes an in-depth look at the science and history of paper. Topics include: (1) Fascinating Facts about Paper; (2) A Closer Look at the Paper in This Magazine; (3) Handmade Paper; (4) Paper Airplanes; (5)…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of six research reports related to preservice teacher education and instruction are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) teaching strategy analysis models in middle school science education courses; (2) concerns-based adoption model (CBAM): basis for an elementary science methods course; (3)…

Data collection and recordkeeping are the topics discussed in this instructional aid. Examples are given of creative ways of recordkeeping developed by children. Justification for the process is presented, such as the kinds of skills that can be developed by keeping science records. The evaluation of childrens' work is discussed and suggestions…

This issue of "Mercury" is a tribute to the accomplishments of female astronomers. It is an affirmation that women can and do pursue successful careers in the physical sciences even though some special obstacles have existed and, sadly, continue to exist in both the education process and the professional career process. The journal contains the…

The Search for Exemplary Preservice Elementary Science Programs was undertaken to recognize programs that modeled effective teaching behaviors and prepared teachers for developing appropriate attitudes and skills in students. This document describes the seven exemplary programs that were recognized by the National Science Teachers Association's…