To answer the question posed in the title, the authors assess the progress of primary science in Britain since 1964, reassess policies on science at the primary stage, discuss children's scientific ideas, evaluate the professional training of primary teachers in science, and make a few recommendations. (KC)

Reports the proposed indicators of desired directions and future foci for science education. Lists indicators most frequently mentioned by persons involved in the 1979 annual meetings of the National Association of Research in Science Teaching and the National Science Teachers Association. Implications are discussed. (CS)

Discussed is the nature of the classroom experience in the United States for girls including teaching methods and assessment. A brief analysis of the problem is presented. Six specific suggestions for improving instruction for girls are included. (CW)

Children come to school with a foundation for formal learning from their early experiences with interactions of the natural and technological world. Failure of elementary schools to build on this experience can discourage children, especially those who do not identify readily with the science establishment (girls, blacks, Hispanics, and the…

Calls for differentiating between three kinds of studies of students' conceptions in science, namely descriptive studies, explanatory studies, and studies attempting to foster conceptual change. Cites the literature about student perceptions and science instruction. (TW)

Examined are two aspects of science education--the nature of science and curriculum reform. Contemporary views on the tentative nature of science and a generative model of learning are synthesized. (KR)

The improvement in student attitudes as the result of the use of videomicroscopy in the science classroom at the elementary, secondary, and college levels is discussed. The results of published research studies are reviewed. (CW)

This report is based on research comprising: (1) an examination of the paper trace of Atlantic Science Curriculum Project's (ASCP) history, including correspondence, records of meetings and conversations, contracts and curriculum documents, designs and materials; (2) a review of research and theoretical literature on the relationships between…

This concept paper outlines the rationale for a project on the development of science curriculum for K-8 high ability learners. The rationale was developed through a synthesis of major recommendations from national science reform reports and from a review of the literature on effective science curriculum for high ability learners. The paper begins…

This article emphasizes the importance of K-12 education in a technically literal society. Cites several major studies in a discussion of the reasons for the apparent unpreparedness of K-12 teachers to teach mathematics and science. Makes recommendations as to how engineering colleges can help to improve K-12 teachers' technical abilities. (CW)