Presented are abstracts and abstractors' analyses of 10 studies related to science instruction and 3 studies related to science curriculum. Analyses in the first section (instruction) are on studies of: the influence of instructional structure and focus of control on achievement; effects of individualized audio-tutorial and frontal…

Selections of papers from the 19th annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are presented in this volume. A diversity of themes are addressed and include new topic areas as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues. These papers focus on issues including: (1) students' misconceptions; (2) classroom…

This document describes seven science activities that combine scientific principles and computers. The objectives for the activities are to show students how the computer can be used as a tool to store and arrange scientific data, provide students with experience using the computer as a tool to manage scientific data, and provide students with…

The process of conceptual change, in learners and in scientific knowledge, indicates that: (1) change involves complex and varied commitments to methods of investigation, aims and goals of investigation, and prior knowledge; (2) change leads to consensus forming or dissensus forming activities; (3) knowledge claims and procedures for testing…

Thirteen activities are presented that focus on a common phenomenon of a child's world: energy. These activities relate energy, how it occurs, how it is used, and how to use it safely. Each activity includes the purpose, introduction, background, procedure, materials, estimated time for the activity, typical results, safety notes, and more ideas.…

The Science Quality Education Project (SQEP) experimented with a model of teacher inservice training referred to as the trainer-of-trainers' model. The project was initiated to promote the use of TVOntario's science programming and television as a teaching tool in science instruction. Using this model, the training was first concentrated on a…

This booklet introduces an environmental curriculum for use in a variety of elementary subjects. The lesson plans provide an integrated approach to incorporating Great Lakes environmental issues into the subjects of history, social studies, and environmental sciences. Each of these sections contains background information, discussion points, and a…

Diverse themes from the annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are addressed in this volume. New topic concerns as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues are identified. Papers focus on issues including: (1) science and technology; (2) classroom practices and processes; (3) international…

Designed to facilitate development of local school district curricula, this document provides science educators with guidelines for conducting an assessment of K-14 programs as well as offering "essential" process skills and knowledge items for synthesizing the most appropriate student outcomes in science courses. The booklet is divided…

An American Chemical Society (ACS) task force was charged to examine the state of chemistry education in the United States and to make recommendations in light of its findings. This document presents the task force's report and 39 major (and also secondary) recommendations. These recommendations, with accompanying discussions, focus on: (1)…

The purpose of this handbook is to present information about energy and to translate this information into learning activities for children. Chapter 1, "Energy: A Delicate Dilemma," presents activities intended to provide an introduction to energy and energy usage. Chapter 2, "What are the Sources of Energy?" provides…

This grade 3 science curriculum guide contains three activity units: (1) measurement; (2) flight; and (3) plants. Each unit contains a letter introducing the unit to parents, teacher background, unit vocabulary, and lesson plans. The lesson plans list the science processes involved, content objectives, materials required, time frame, group size,…

This grade 4 science curriculum guide contains three activity units: (1) communities; (2) electricity; and (3) chemistry. Each unit contains a unit overview, teacher background material, lesson plans, book list, and suggested resources. The lesson plans list the science processes involved, content objectives, materials needed, time frame, group…

This grade 5 science curriculum guide contains four activity units: (1) mineral identification; (2) earth science; (3) soil analysis; and (4) small friends community. Each unit contains a letter to the parents to introduce the unit, lesson plans, and word searches. The lesson plans list the science processes involved, content objectives,…

Science fairs represent the culmination of student research efforts under the guidance of teachers and other persons interested in science topics. The total scientific process should be involved in the development of a project which results in a science fair exhibition. The student should learn to recognize problems, plan an experiment, gather and…