The first (exploratory) phase of the Learning in Science Project focused on science teaching/learning in the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14) and sought to identify problems and difficulties in several areas. Provided in this paper are comments obtained during structured/unstructured interviews (from students, ex-students, teachers, headmasters,…

In an effort to contribute information for science teachers and curriculum developers in Maine, this study generated base line data on 4th, 8th, and 11th grade students' knowledge of marine science and natural resources principles in relation to the Gulf of Maine. Five concept maps representing 15 major content principles were developed. Two…

This paper provides a focus on the successful and positive facets of schooling from a series of case studies. The study involved 13 researchers in over 500 hours of intensive classroom observation of 20 exemplary teachers and a comparison group of non-exemplary teachers. The qualitative information was complemented by quantitative information…

Fifth and eighth grade students in New York City participated in a citywide science survey for the fourth consecutive year in 1987. These surveys were designed to assess overall achievement in the pre-high school grades and to provide school, district and citywide summary information about student performance in basic areas of the science…

Many students, even after formal science instruction, have not developed a scientifically acceptable concept of "living,""animal," or "plant." Therefore, as part of the action-research phase of the Learning in Science Project, a working group was formed to explore (with teachers) some possible strategies aimed at…

In the action-research phase of the Learning in Science Project, four groups of people worked on problems identified in the project's second (in-depth) phase. The Chemistry Action-Research Group considered problems related to the teaching and learning of ideas associated with particles and physical/chemical changes. Based on findings during the…

This book contains the proceedings of a seminar that investigated the impact of cognitive and social development on the teaching of science in secondary schools, and the possible ways in which the science curriculum could be a context in which adolescents' development could be positively influenced. Six plenary papers were presented: (1) "Research…

The concept of the density of a material has an important role in elementary and secondary school science curricula, but it is a difficult concept to grasp. This project explores why this should be and whether there are some simpler, more accessible notions which can serve as the basis for building a concept of density in students' minds during…

There is always the possibility that educational research does not result in developments within the classroom. This yearbook attempts to address that situation by making teachers more aware of what research exists. It contains a collection of articles which deal with such topics as: (1) new teaching strategies; (2) the theoretical background of…

Twenty-eight rural elementary teachers showed positive changes in attitude toward perceived competencies in teaching physical sciences and students showed statistically significant cognitive gains as a result of teacher participation in a 4-month project. Teachers attended four workshops, hosted three on-site visits by university science…

Five years of data related to teachers' perceptions of learning and knowledge were analyzed to ascertain whether differences existed between preservice elementary and secondary science students (N=435). These data were generated from a questionnaire derived from assumptions about learning and knowledge. The assumptions address five areas of…

A study of science teaching insecurity in preservice elementary school teachers (N=56) in Finland is presented. Based upon Maslow's theory of basic needs, it was believed that individuals who feel insecure about science or science teaching cannot function at a higher need level until these insecurities are met. A 20-item instrument was used to…

A study was made of the book selection procedures and collections in the area of fourth grade science (astronomy and earth science) in 12 elementary schools in two Southwestern school districts. The six schools in District 2 utilized a local buying list in their acquisitions, those in District 1 did not. The hypothesis to be tested was that as…

Reports on a study of possible differences in interaction patterns between a sixth-grade teacher and different groups of students. Results showed consistency in the interactions studied, but important differences occurred in the quality and quantity with students perceived as "best" and "weakest" and boys and girls in…

Science education and the preparation of science teachers have been of great concern over the past two decades. This research investigated the influence of an extended elementary science teaching practicum upon preservice elementary teachers' (N=19) science self-efficacy. It explored both quantitatively and qualitatively the progression of teacher…