This paper explores enabling conditions for scaling high-quality project-based learning (PBL) to understand factors that influence how PBL spreads, whether and how it can be sustained and the extent to which it informs meaningful change in schools. We report on a year-long collaboration across three research projects. Each project team analyzed…

Every aspect of teaching, including the instructional method, the course content, and the types of assessments, is influenced by teachers' attitudes and beliefs. Teacher education programs play an important role in the development of beliefs regarding teaching and learning. The purpose of the study was to document pre-service teachers' views on…

Theory and practice are an odd couple. There is little doubt that theory deserves a place within today's primary classrooms. Pring (2004) suggests that theory is perceived as having come adrift from common sense. It is easy to see how, swept along in the daily pressures of the job, busy classroom teachers may question the relevance of seemingly…

This document consists of three sections. Section I contains 19 activities developed by master teachers for the Science World '84 summer science program. These activities focus on studies involving airplane controls, trash bag kites, computers, meteorology, compass orienteering, soils, aquatic ecosystems, bogs, and others. Objectives, materials…

Presented are views, on planning science fairs and science fair projects, of a fair coordinator, a science teacher, and students. Also included are 25 questions which might result in science fair projects. (SL)

Described are five physics experiments utilizing inexpensive, readily available materials or materials normally found in a physics laboratory. Included are investigations of electrical charge, sound detection, thermal expansion, doppler effects, and the cycloid. (SL)

Indicating that the rationale for teaching physics, to which curricula are ultimately directed, must focus on the needs of both future scientists and non-scientists alike, trends in physics curricula and instruction are viewed. Such changes are suggested to have taken place in response to growth in information, to changing perceptions of the…

Describes the goals of the Environmental Education Review Committee and presents the results of a survey on the importance of environmental education. Lists recommendations from the Committee. Provides some demographic and geographic data on the region. (YP)

Background information, lists of materials needed, and detailed procedures are provided for five science projects. These projects involve constructing and using: (1) an electric pencil; (2) a buzzer to send coded messages; (3) a battery which produces light; (4) a radio that plays for free; and (5) a supersensitive cigar-box microphone. Diagrams…

Presented is a compilation of data, developed by the New York State Department of Education from table summaries of school forms, of science programs in New York State in 1973-74. A list of tables is included. Among these tables are: (1) the number of school districts indicating their plans for revision of local science courses (K-12); (2) the…

Background information, lists of materials needed, and procedures are provided for 12 electrochemistry experiments. The experiments involve investigating: (1) a simple electrical circuit; (2) how a doorbell works; (3) how a two-way switch works; (4) conductors and insulators; (5) controlling current with a pencil; (6) what an electrolyte is; (7)…

Examines relations between the philosophy of science, scientific research methods, and the methods of school science teaching. Discusses a "Standard Philosophy of Science" and a "New Philosophy of Science." Proposes that the epistemological, sociological, and psychological aspects of scientific knowledge are important…

Presented are seven articles (reprinted from "The Exploratorium" magazine) which focus on the scientific explanations for the specific (and oftentimes peculiar) instructions and procedures called for in many recipes. "Baking, Boiling, and Other Hot Topics" (Joel Myerson) discusses different methods of cooking. "The…

Describes public facilities in the United Kingdom (observatories, planetariums, museums, and research institutes) available for use in astronomy education. (SK)

Two major questions investigated were: (A) Why do elementary and secondary students in Utah like science subjects; and (B) Are there any differences in reasons why students like science subjects related to type of school, age of students, and student gender. The investigation included roughly 2,000 pupils evenly distributed from grades six through…