Reports on the results of case studies of science teaching at the elementary level. Two teachers from two elementary schools were studied. Addresses issues in elementary science teaching ranging from the importance at the elementary level to gender differences in science instruction. (TW)

Some observations of general progress and of gender-related differences in achievement when using construction sets in the early years are presented. Included are the results of two studies which examined the use of Lego construction sets by children age six to eight. (CW)

Many educators have long assumed that reading ability is directly related to science achievement, that reading plays a major role in science instruction, and that direct instruction on science reading skills would improve science achievement. The pilot study reported here investigated whether an instructional strategy could be designed to overcome…

Reports on a study intended to determine the science education research interests of elementary teachers and to examine the data according to certain demographic variables. Results indicate that hands-on experience, science content, cognitive development and learning styles, problem solving, and teaching strategies were the top five research…

Hypothesizes that superior performance by males in science could be related to their greater ability to perform well on tests of spacial visualization and mechanical aptitude. Suggests activities to improve science achievement with females. (Author/DS)

This paper describes the Primary Science Project in Norway whose goals were to describe the primary (grades 1-6) science classroom and to make recommendations on improvements for primary science teaching. The purpose of this study was to study the classroom climate, specifically focusing on the social interactions between teachers and students.…

This study was designed to examine effects that access to manipulatives in science instruction have with respect to the development of spatial conceptual abilities and whether the effects were different for males and females. A secondary purpose of this investigation was to examine what relationship sex and access to manipulatives in conjunction…

This study reports the preferences students expressed in regard to problem-solving modes for resolving environmental problems. There were many differences between students at different grades and between girls and boys. Implications for teaching are suggested. (YP)

Investigates cumulative effects of SCIS in terms of students' attitudes. Hypothesized and supported is that students exposed to the complete SCIS program would show a greater degree of positive attitude toward science, experimenting, and the scientist than would those not exposed to SCIS. Results indicating sex differences in attitudes are…

This book highlights women's achievements in science and mathematics from the first century A.D. to the present. Included are paleontologists, geologists, astronomers, mathematicians, chemists, botanists, biologists, engineers, physicians entomologists, and atomic physicists. Their noteworthy accomplishments are translated to students through…

This report presents the methodology and findings of a national survey of the performance of approximately 9,000 11-year-old children in science. Performance was assessed in six categories: (1) symbolic representation (reading information from graphs, tables, and charts); (2) use of apparatus and measuring instruments; (3) observation; (4)…

Reported are two studies considering factors affecting students' attitudes to science by using television programs. Describes the results on students' attitudes by sex and grades. Hypothesized that the use of space programs and other fantastic aspects of science could improve the attitudes of children towards science. (Author/YP)

In this study, worksheets were adapted from an Elementary Science Study unit, "Batteries and Bulbs," to develop an individualized set of instructional materials on electricity. Research questions were asked regarding relationships of teaching technique (individualized v conventional) to achievement and attitudes, gender, and interactions…

Presents results of a study which examined science achievement, attitudes, sex differences, and racial differences among nine-year-olds. Also compares these results to those from three previous National Assessment of Educational Progress studies. Implications for elementary school science instruction are included. (JN)

Presents the use of the Primary Teacher as Scientist (PTAS) project as a tool for encouraging the ability and enthusiasm of students in science, especially males. Finds that Science Teacher Assessment (STA) results significantly improved and gender imbalance diminished. (Author/CCM)