One of the guiding principles highlighted in "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" (NRC 2012) states that "children are born investigators," claiming that students construct their own understanding of the natural world even before they learn about it in formal learning settings. Even if students lack a thorough…

In this meta-analysis, I have reviewed published and unpublished research on single-track, year-round education's effect on science and social studies achievement, 2001-2016. Of 30 studies that met inclusion criteria and had data from which an effect size estimate could be calculated, 7 reported science outcomes (18 effect size estimates) or…

Research evidence suggests that summer breaks contribute to income-based achievement and opportunity gaps for children and youth. However, summertime can also be used to provide programs that support an array of goals for children and youth, including improved academic achievement, physical health, mental health, social and emotional well-being,…

When educating children, teachers need to be aware of ways to make learning engaging. For young children, with their high exposure to current technology, listening to one person all day can be boring. Children today understand technology at a faster pace than did children of previous generations, so teachers need to implement more technology…

In the last 30 years or so, science educators in the Western world have come to recognise the importance of the social and cultural context in which learning occurs (Cobern, 1993, 1994; Hodson, 1993; Leach & Scott, 2003) and have, through such movements as science, technology, society and the environment (Pedretti, 1997; Solomon, 1991; Solomon…

Reports on a study of the knowledge of and values toward the natural environment of 70 primary-level teachers; 33 school administrators; 65 parents, and 135 third graders in Russia. Finds little ecological education at home. Concludes that developing attitudes of respect and protection for the environment must be the responsibility of the school.…

This paper discusses stereotypical racial beliefs among the second and third grade Hispanic children. The study developed after several students displayed stereotypical beliefs in discussions about other ethnic groups and interactions with members of other ethnic groups. The paper examines research from the 1930s to the present. This examination…

This document offers many of the insights and comments of Maryland elementary school teachers who scored the 1992 Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) tests. The MSPAP covers reading, writing, social studies, mathematics, and science and is administered to students in grades 3, 5, and 8. The document contains the teachers' most…

This document offers many of the insights and comments of Maryland elementary school teachers who scored the 1993 Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) tests. The MSPAP covers reading, writing, social studies, mathematics, and science and is administered to Maryland students in grades 3, 5, and 8. Comments and observations are…