Examines the major characteristics of effective schools, focusing on the role of science teachers in contributing to school effectiveness. Suggests that maximum benefits can result from improvements in teacher responsiveness and in classroom management areas. (ML)

Proposed is a plan for changing elementary school teachers' attitudes toward science. Persuading teachers, a mandate to teach science, and rewards for teachers involved in science curriculum development, the three steps in the model, are presented in some detail. Implementing the model is also discussed. (MNS)

During the late sixties and early seventies a new nontextbook, lab-centered approach was used in science instruction in elementary grades. With the arrival of the eighties, science curriculum has come full circle, and new science textbooks with corresponding curriculum guides are being adopted. (JN)

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)

Discussed are the ways that misconceptions about chemistry are acquired by presecondary children. Several recommendations for teaching chemistry to children are presented including the use of variety, hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills, and appropriate timing of concepts. (CW)

Indicates and describes items that are incorrect in textbooks and a teacher edition of Discover SCIENCE for K-6. (YP)

States that the responsibility for bringing outdoor education themes into the reading of literature lies with the outdoor educator and not the classroom teacher. Presents a model for introducing such themes into school curricula and uses the works of Thoreau, Brautigan, and Dr. Seuss as examples. (Author/CW)

Described is a elementary science program whose goal is to motivate young people in science and promote the importance of scientific thinking and literacy. The importance of students taking math and science courses in elementary school and the need for involvement of engineers with schools is discussed. (KR)

Discusses the importance of enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers in teaching science to middle school students. Maintains that when teachers create environments that foster curiosity, encourage risk-taking, and involve students as co-learners, the textbook is included as a guide and resource with several other materials. Questions the notion that…

This paper addresses two distinctive issues concerning animistic and anthropomorphic thought in the context of constructivist science education. The first concerns the extent of such ways of thinking, both within science itself and within school science. The second concerns the implications of this for theories of instruction in science education.…

Perceptions and attitudes have been identified as being influential components for the development of an effective precollege science education program. A carefully planned and implemented public relations program is advocated in this paper as a means of developing accurate perceptions and positive attitudes. The paper offers the process of…

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…

Problems related to small numbers of women in science-related occupations are reviewed. The results indicate inadequate science background at the elementary and secondary levels as one possible reason. The study cites nine National Science Foundation research projects specifically related to women in science and suggests that science curricula,…

Presents replies to questions about the role and importance of elementary science education. Covers 27 persons' answers from various fields, such as science, arts, government, or mass media. (YP)

Proposes that science curriculum include the history of science and case studies of science-technology-society issues. Recommends approaches that highlight the role of the imagination and the impact of value judgments. Also advocates examination of issues which focus on the strengths and limitations of the processes of science and technology. (ML)