In this age of easy access to the internet and to spreadsheets, easy-to-apply numerical methods exist that are vastly superior to Simpson's rule and the (corrected) trapezoidal rule. Gaussian quadrature (GQ) is such a method. What follows tells how enthusiastic Year 9 students with a physics problem provoked a science teacher into re-discovering a…

This information bulletin examines research and practice issues considered critical in resolving the crisis in science education. Analyses are presented of (1) the current reform movement in science education, (2) the changing culture of science, (3) science education research, (4) the rise of the cognitive sciences, (5) science teachers and…

Four science education fact sheets are presented and focus on: (1) creationism vs. evolution; (2) science careers; (3) science activities for special students; and (4) the role of the laboratory in science teaching. The first fact sheet was prepared to assist teachers, curriculum coordinators, and others in dealing with the teaching of evolution…

This critical review synthesizes information related to the use of the laboratory in science programs. Several approaches to the use and/or role of the laboratory in science teaching are presented, including historical and research perspectives, opinion statements, a review of current research, and suggestions for future research. Concluding…

As the nation pursues the goal of becoming first in the world in science achievement among students, many are advocating an instructional approach that emphasizes activities and learning by doing. Instructional approaches in science education that involve activity and direct experience have become collectively known as hands-on science. This…

The first science education digest for 1985 focused on data obtained by use of meta-analysis techniques on research studies of science instruction. Instruction seldom takes place without instructional materials, so this second digest is a companion one containing a discussion of science education research on instructional materials. Data are shown…

This digest presents a summary discussion of the value of holding science fairs in the elementary school context. Reasons for conducting science fairs for elementary students are discussed in terms of several learning theories. Developmentally appropriate types of elementary science projects are suggested. Goals for elementary school science fairs…

This digest focuses on the impact of the educational reform movement on science education. Topics reviewed are: (1) "What is the message of educational reform?"; (2) "What changes have occurred?" listing increasing graduation requirements and lengthening schooling; (3) "Have educational reform efforts improved…

Designed to supplement the day-to-day planning, teaching, and evaluation activities of science teachers at all educational levels, this compilation contains over 900 resumes of practitioner-oriented documents announced in "Resources in Education" (RIE) between 1966 and 1981. The resumes are presented under these headings: (1) elementary…

A Working Paper, "Science Education: Accomplishment and Needs," published by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in 1978 was intended as an evolutionary document to be an assessment of the accomplishments and needs of science education perceived at that time. The Working Paper was organized into four major divisions: (1)…

This document provides preschool teachers with activities intended to help children better understand the world around them. The introductory section of this book includes papers focusing on the cognitive development of the preschooler, encouraging the integration of science into the early childhood curriculum, promoting multisensory science…

A review of representative instructional strategies and programs which focus on Science-Technology-Society (STS) themes is presented in this digest. A rationale and specific recommendations for the inclusion of an STS component in the science curriculum are offered. The options which exist for instruction of STS themes are identified and examples…

This digest comments on various aspects of school science fairs. General expectations for science fair projects and participants are discussed, and tips for choosing a topic and completing a project are given. Organizational strategies for teachers charged with conducting science fairs are presented. Guidelines for parents in helping children with…

By playing with toys, children sometimes wonder how and why toys do what they do. At the moment of curiosity, interest can be captured and thinking can be influenced. This is a good time to focus on natural phenomena, provoke imagination, and promote scientific thinking. This book presents 53 classroom-tested activities to teach science with toys.…

Presented is a compilation of papers focusing on new questions and new directions for research in science education. Papers are grouped into one of three related fields of research: (1) analysis of curriculum materials, especially science textbooks; (2) investigations of science understandings of students and experts; and (3) investigations of the…