Eighth grade science students were given inventories in a triad and a paired comparison format. From these, a ranking of science categories was made. Students tended to rank earth-space and biological sciences ahead of the physical sciences. Reasons for this included inventory bias, maturational development, and a teacher effect. (MA)

Increasing attention has been given over the last decade by the statistics, mathematics and science education communities to the development of statistical literacy and numeracy skills of all citizens and the enhancement of statistics education at all levels. This paper introduces the emerging discipline of statistics education and considers its…

The need for a philosophic base to provide direction for science curriculum development and instruction is discussed. The history of philosophies of science is traced, followed by an extended discussion of a "new" philosophy and its implications for the curriculum. (MNS)

A need is identified for stressing the developmental and interrelational aspects in secondary school science courses for all students, based on the contention that both science-prone and science-shy students will gain a greater understanding of how science affects our lives. (CR)

Using syringes, a hydraulic press was constructed and mechanical advantage and efficiency were calculated. (CP)

Details results of an 18-month project aimed at assessing the common practices, problems, and areas of difficulty faced by teachers and administrators in the instruction of elementary science. It is viewed as the most in-depth study in elementary science education ever undertaken in North Carolina. (MP)

This mixed methods study offers a theoretically grounded description of a field-based science methods course within a Professional Development School (PDS) model (i.e., PDS-based course). The preservice teachers' (n = 21) experiences within the PDS-based course prompted significant changes in their personal teaching efficacy, with the…

Describes how the audiotutorial method of instruction can be used to simulate field trips in earth science. Each excursion takes the student, via slides, audiotapes, specimens and maps, to various parts of the world to observe and investigate phenomena associated with a particular aspect of earth science. (JR)

The purpose of this study was to determine the concerns of Texas science teachers about the 40 percent laboratory time rule just prior to enforcement and at the end of its first year of implementation. The methodology, results of the first and second years, conclusions, and implications for teaching science are discussed. (KR)