A two-dimensional framework consisting of knowledge forms and intellectual operations was used to analyze curriculum materials, teacher-mediated instruction, and student use of information on essay and traditional criterion-referenced measures in two sixth-grade general science classes. Results suggest low-achieving students may need more exposure…

Examines the use of drawing as a learning strategy for 5th- and 6th-grade students reading science text. Three experimental drawing conditions and a reading control tested the hypothesis that drawing is effective only when students are supported during the construction process. Results were generally consistent with the proposed hypotheses.…

Reports on a study in which a teacher used the collaborative development of a format-free computer database to facilitate knowledge construction in a group of three Year 6 students during a science project. Contains 28 references. (Author/ASK)

This study used an alternating treatments design to evaluate the effect of three teaching practices: "response cards," (RC) "numbered heads together," (NHT) and "whole group question and answer" (WGQA) on 6th graders' daily quiz scores and pretest-posttest performance in chemistry. Results indicated that both RC and NHT were superior to the…

Six sixth-grade science textbooks were examined for conceptual structure and readability. Hierarchical concept maps were composed on text segments for chosen topics and maps were scored. Reading analyses were also computed. Two trends were visually but not statistically evident. The Fry readability scores were higher than sixth grade, but no…

This study examined the effect of formal and concrete instruction upon science achievement and intellectual development of sixth grade students. Formal instruction, which emphasized oral and written language, included lecture, discussion, oral quizzes, written assignments, reading assignments, films, film strips, written tests, and quizzes.…

This paper looks at the amount of students' participation in instances of two common instructional arrangements, whole-class and small-group discussions, in a sixth-grade science class. The purpose is to understand how best to allow girls equitable access to the kinds of social interaction shown to be necessary for science learning. It is first…

This paper documents the dynamics of the social interactions within two small groups of sixth grade students as they solved problems and attempted to understand the concepts related to the nature of matter and molecular theory. Similarities and differences of social interactions between the two groups are compared, and interpretations presented…

This study investigated the effectiveness of the SQ3R study skill technique in the science education of sixth grade students. Subjects, 30 students in a control group and 19 students in the experimental group comprising two separate classrooms in a culturally mixed urban elementary school, used the science text "Gateways to Science" and…

This study examines the relationship between the amount of time sixth graders reported spending on homework and their achievement gains on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) between the spring of 1988 and the spring of 1989. Selected for participation were one or two classes in each of 30 public elementary schools in Chicago. Of the 30 schools,…

Describes a science competition challenge that has students solve several hands-on physical science problems, thus reinforcing both problem-solving skills and science knowledge. (PR)

Describes how two middle school science teachers approached the integration of interactive videodisc into their science teaching and curriculum. (Author/MKR)

Student-centered classrooms are characterized by shared responsibility, curriculum adjustment to reduce the number of topics or to increase emphasis on a subset of topics, a high premium placed on student-generated questions and investigations, and collective validation of students' ideas as a central feature of the teaching and learning process.…

This document presents a sample of the Arkansas science curriculum and identifies the content standards for physical science systems, life science systems, and Earth science/space science systems for sixth grade students. Each content standard is explained and includes student learning expectations, sixth grade benchmarks, assessments, and…

Describes the implementation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration SEEDS Project in a sixth-grade class in Turlock, California. Describes student activities and media coverage surrounding the project. (MDH)