Presented is an attempt (1) to provide operational definitions of the learning objectives that have been clarified through firsthand experience with students in the physical science course for preservice elementary teachers at the University of Washington, Seattle, and (2) to identify some of the problems of intellectual development that have been…

This study attempted to determine at what grade levels children develop the ability to combine and control variables, the effect of the elementary science program on this development, and the relationship between a child's ability to control variables and his ability to form combinations of variables. (GS)

The general purposes of this study were to analyze responses on five Piagetian formal operational tasks in a test-retest situation to determine the extent to which taking a pretest effected scores on posttests and to determine task and examiner reliabilities. Significant test score gains on Piagetian tasks appeared to result from test-retest…

The authors employed the Raven Test of Logical Operations (RTLO) to assess development of cognitive structure for subjects of ages 8 to 19. Their conclusions support in part the development sequence described by Piaget. Lack of hierarchical order in some cognitive operations may indicate limitation of the instrument. (Author/EB)

Investigates how an inservice course using the Investigative Science in Elementary Education-Instructional Television (ISEE-ITV) model of instruction supported by professional reinforcement affected the attitude of elementary teachers toward a leadership role within their respective school buildings. (HM)

Presents an evaluation design and strategy for preservice preparation of elementary school teachers in science. Five evaluation dimensions are discussed: population definition, academic concerns, implementation, program team functioning, and attitudes. (HM)

Investigates the development of the concept of heat by children aged four to nine. Analysis revealed 11 thought patterns classified into six categories underlying children's concept of heat. These categories are related to scientific knowledge of the physics of heat. (HM)

Found that the strength of the relationship between peer and individual attitude toward science increases significantly from grades 6-8 (peaking in grade 9) and that the relationship increases during the school year such that, by the end of the year, there are no differences between grades. Implications for science instruction are noted. (JN)

Describes strategy analysis procedures which enable preservice teachers to implement science lesson segments in a manner that was consistent with strategies incorporated into science teaching models. Conformity to the model was uniformly high for phases related to preparing the learner, investigation planning, and data processing. (JN)

Examines the substantive components of a four-year study of science education in Canada including issues raised, research findings, and conclusions. Among the recommendations are guaranteeing science education in every elementary school, greater opportunities for girls, challenging high achievers, emphasizing science-technology-society…

A nine-item questionnaire was used to obtain information from 229 preservice elementary teachers on secondary and college science courses completed, their conception of the purposes of elementary school science, and their concerns about teaching children science. Implications for preparing elementary teachers to teach science are addressed. (JN)

Discusses a view of observational competence which consists of three proficiencies--proficiency in making observations well, in reporting them well, and in assessing correctly the reports of observations. The conception offers detailed sets of conditions for observing and reporting observations and a set of principles for assessing observational…

Uses examples related to a head of cabbage to discuss: (1) sensory development in children; (2) the integration of sensory and cognitive involvement; and (3) a child's mode of exploring and discovering. Also discusses why science curricula need to be organized around a paradigm that is holistic. (JN)

Describes evaluative data obtained during the Colorado Elementary Science Project which used elementary teachers to provide inservice training for other teachers after intensive experience with one of the national elementary science projects. Makes recommendations for implementation and change of this diffusion model. (AL)

A test for measuring attitudes toward animal life (Fireman Test) was developed. The test was determined to be reliable, valid, free from social-response biases, easy to administer and score, and potentially useful in ascertaining whether changes in attitudes have occurred as a result of some planned intervention. (Author/JN)