The question of whether single-sex or co-ed schooling has any impact on students' attitudes toward science is highly contested and warrants research from all corners of the world. This study adds to our current knowledge by investigating different attitudinal indices of Grade 9 science students (N = 356, M[subscript age] = 14.5 years) in…

This article examines the process of shifting to a "Physics First" sequence in science course offerings in three school districts in the United States. This curricular sequence reverses the more common U.S. high school sequence of biology/chemistry/physics, and has gained substantial support in the physics education community over the…

This study examined the science self-efficacy beliefs of students at the transition from elementary school (Grade 6) to middle school (Grade 7) and the transition from middle school (Grade 8) to high school (Grade 9). The purpose was to determine whether students' perceived competence is impacted at these important school transitions and if the…

While participating in single- and mixed-gender science and mathematics classes, ninth-grade urban high school students' (n = 118) academic self-concept, self-efficacy, and school climate perceptions were examined. Their perceptions were measured quantitatively from the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics (modified for Science) Attitude and the Patterns…

Describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by the Biology Critical Thinking project (BCT). Presents the project guidelines for developing activities, a list of skills selected as goals of BCT, instruments used in determining effectiveness of the activities, results of the pilot study, and a sample activity involving vitamins. (MDH)

Investigated were variables predicting final science grades in ninth grade science. Results indicated arithmetic score on a standardized test had the highest correlation with the final science grade. (SL)

Compares an individualized audiotutorial (IAT) approach to teaching biology to ninth-grade students with the more commonly employed frontal classroom-laboratory (FCL) method. Indicates the IAT method was effective in increasing achievement and motivation in Israeli kibbutzim junior high school science students. (MP)

Determines if grade nine students (N=98) experiencing similar instructional characteristics but participating in either mastery or traditional labs would demonstrate different concept retention levels. A matched pairs design was employed. Results indicate mastery-based instruction fosters an improvement in cognitive learning of students in this…

Investigates the effects of cooperative learning instruction versus traditional teaching methods on ninth-grade students' (n=770) earth-science achievement in secondary schools. No significant differences were found between the experimental groups and the control groups on overall achievement, knowledge-level, and comprehension-level test items,…

Examines learning from texts with embedded monitoring (questions) and regulating (prescriptive feedback) features relative to pretest, posttest, and retention science achievement; time-on-tasks; and efficiency (learning or retention gains per time-on-task). (Author/CCM)

Investigated was the influence on learner outcomes of the repeatable testing provision of Bloom's mastery learning model for ninth graders in an Introduction to Chemistry and Physics course. Neither student achievement nor attitude toward learning science was favorably influenced by repeatable testing. (MNS)

Three density questions were administered to 290 ninth-grade students to assess their understanding of this concept. Found two-thirds of students understand displacement and/or density concepts. Three solubility questions were administered to 385 ninth-graders to assess understandings of solubility. Found students have difficulty with some aspects…

The effects of cooperative learning on attitudes of students toward laboratory work were studied with ninth-grade biology students in Nigeria. It was found to be successful in developing favorable attitudes. Reasons for this are discussed. (MNS)

Reports an experimental study of 80 ninth grade biology students randomly assigned to treatment and control groups to determine whether the use of human examples in instructional strategies on Mendelian genetics increases acquisition and retention of genetics concepts. Results indicate that use of human examples in contrast to traditional examples…

Describes a project that enrolled 36 secondary mathematics and science teachers to work cooperatively to plan a program to help integrate mathematics and science concepts. Thirteen ninth grade study units having a laboratory or demonstration component were developed, field tested, and evaluated. Teachers noted differences in using mathematics.…