This study investigated how studying a refutational map, a type of argument map, affected conceptual change. Refutational maps visually display both correct and alternative conceptions. Participants (N = 120) were randomly assigned to (1) a refutational map condition, (2) a refutational text condition, and (3) a non-refutational text condition.…

Teachers of students with visual impairments play an integral role in supporting both students with visual impairments and general education teachers so that students can access the curriculum, including science-related topics (Anderson, 2009; Bogner et al., 2011; Wild & Koehler, 2017). Wild and Koehler (2017) identify six responsibilities of…

This paper reports the results of a 3-year longitudinal study on the perceived utility of supplying elementary science teacher interns with four asynchronous tools to assist them in creating their first lesson plan of a constructivist nature. The research accessed qualitative and quantitative measures to sample intern reaction to the notion of a…

In response to the need for a scalable, institutionally supported model of educational change, the Science Education Initiative (SEI) was created as an experiment in transforming course materials and faculty practices at two institutions--University of Colorado Boulder (CU) and University of British Columbia. We find that this departmentally…

Through a qualitative research design, this article investigates the impacts of differentiated laboratory instructional materials on English language learners' (ELLs) laboratory task comprehension. The factors affecting ELLs' science learning experiences are further explored. Data analysis reveals a greater degree of laboratory task comprehension…

This study reports on a science professional development initiative with elementary school teachers in Canada. Grades 4 and 5 teachers were involved in the implementation and modification of science kits, together with corresponding professional development activities. Each kit was aligned to specific outcomes in the curriculum and provided a…

The directory provides reviews of 50 software programs approved for educational use in Alberta (Canada) schools. Each program was reviewed by two teachers with the purpose of determining the specific populations of special needs students (including the gifted) that the programs would be suitable for and the approximate grade level with which the…

Discusses three kits developed by museums in British Columbia for use in rural classrooms. The science kit on marine biology consists of modules which included specimens, books, audiovisual materials and student activities. (BR)

This publication, developed by the Ministry of Education, Province of British Columbia, Canada, is a teaching guide for the Geology 12 course. The course is intended to provide secondary school students with the background and desire to investigate their earth, its materials and its processes. The guide consists of the following four sections: (1)…

This document consists of activities and references for teaching astronomy. The activities (which include objectives, list of materials needed, and procedures) focus on: observing the Big Dipper and locating the North Star; examining the Big Dipper's stars; making and using an astrolabe; examining retograde motion of Mars; measuring the Sun's…

This publication, developed by the Ministry of Education, Province of British Columbia, Canada, is a teaching guide for the Earth Science 11 course. The course is intended to provide secondary school students with the background and desire to investigate their earth, its materials and its processes. The guide consists of four sections. Section A…

This curriculum guide for the natural sciences is intended for use in grades 1-7 in the early French immersion program. The guide presents the following topics: (1) a list of general objectives; (2) a list of simple skills for children aged 5-8 and for children aged 8-12; (3) activities dealing with matter and its properties, space-time, and human…

Reports on a pilot survey of the authors of three sets of textbooks used in Australia and Canada, which have previously been shown to include a relatively high proportion of Indigenous and other minority groups' knowledges, cultures and sciences. Explores issues of voice and power in the production of textbooks. (MM)

Outlines arguments for action research approaches to the implementation of STS education. Presents six teachers' initial views and changing perceptions throughout the duration of an action research project in terms of four categories: nature of STS education, development of curriculum materials, personal/professional development, and collaborative…

This document, published by the Ministry of Education of British Columbia, represents an extensive modification of the 1969 permissive elementary science program, a materials-based program which necessitates the involvement of students in scientific activities and explorations. Science teaching involves the student in the processes of science.…