A survey of 514 Scottish elementary teachers, 60 teacher interviews, and interviews with 30 staff at teacher-education institutions examined teacher understanding of scientific ideas, teacher self-confidence when teaching science, and the provision made during preservice and inservice education for the development of elementary teachers'…

Described is a measure of the self-efficacy of preservice elementary science teachers. Field experiences, peer teaching, and the self-evaluation of microteaching are introduced as ways to enhance science teaching self-efficacy. Validity and reliability data are presented. (KR)

Discussed are several types of telecommunications options available to educators. Included are satellite teleconferences, telephone teleconferences, video telecommunications, computer-based educational telecommunications, and FAX. A basic protocol used with students for teleconferences is presented. (CW)

Reviewed are seven software packages for Apple and IBM computers. Included are: "Toxicology"; "Science Corner: Space Probe"; "Alcohol and Pregnancy"; "Science Tool Kit Plus"; Computer Investigations: Plant Growth"; "Climatrolls"; and "Animal Watch: Whales." (CW)

Provides an annotated list of references on specific topics covering computers in general science and math. Topics include: artificial intelligence, CAI, LOGO, a heat capacity experiment, microcomputer tutorials, a Monte Carlo simulation, factoring, a geology simulation, polynomials, spreadsheets, a gas model simulation, integers, and…

Described are 22 activities which can be done by students outside of school. Topics include the seashore, shadows, restaurants, water, amusement parks, factories, museums, camping, weather, animals, photography, plants, food, and exercise. (CW)

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)

Reviews the recent history of adapting educational enterprise to technological change. Assesses where technology stands today and attempts to look at the future. Describes the impact of the personal computer and looks at further technological assaults. Considers options available at the present. (MVL)

Describes several environmental education activities. Introduces educational materials and two environmental education programs. Provides demographic and geographic data of the region. (YP)

Includes two articles: one describes the use of satellite transmissions to improve math and science instruction in elementary grades, including instructional design, transfer of learning, curriculum content, and distance learning instructors; the second one discusses new software and other technology for multicultural education. (LRW)

Includes trade book reviews from 11 categories: Animals; Archaeology, Anthropology, and Paleontology; Biography (Charles. Darwin, Jackal Woman, Rachel Carson, and Marie Curie); Botany; Chemistry and Mineralogy, Environment and Conservation; Geology and Meteorology; The Human Body and Sexuality; Nature and Life; Ocean and Shore Life; and Physics,…

Teachers of American Indian elementary school students attended a two-week institute emphasizing integration of science instruction with culturally relevant materials and activities and use of a hands-on inquiry approach. A one-year follow-up found that initial changes in teachers' behavior and practices had largely been lost. Discusses…

Provides six fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used with specific curriculum units. Highlights include elementary student activities for art (winter holiday crafts); reading/language arts (fantasy in stories, elements of folk stories from India, writing sequels to fairy tales); science (animal symbiosis); and social…

Describes implementation of an elementary science program, Developmental Approaches in Science and Health (DASH). The discussion centers on changes in the teaching-learning process suggested by various views on learning and on instructional strategies that can be gleaned from these views and applied to elementary science instruction. (SM)

Resources that are available for teachers presenting astronomy in the National Curriculum are listed. Included are societies and organizations, resource centers and places to visit, planetaria, telescopes and binoculars, planispheres, star charts, night sky diaries, equipment, audiovisual materials, computer software, books, and magazines. (KR)