This is the final test for students in the sixth-grade science course offered in the Alberta (Canada) schools. Both English and French versions of the test are provided. Intended for administration during June 1986, it contains 60 multiple-choice questions. One hour is allowed for completing the test. An answer key is not included. (ML)

Reports a single case design study on the exam performance in science of fifth and sixth graders (n=27) using note taking combined with self-questioning. Authors found gains in science exams when notetaking/self-questioning strategies were in effect. (PR)

This material describes curriculum specifications for grade 6 science in Alberta. Emphases recommended are: (1) process skills (50%); (2) psychomotor skills (10%); (3) attitudes (10%); and (4) subject matter (30%). Priorities within each category are identified. (YP)

Conducted an ethnography to evaluate the usefulness of the notion of community of practice in classroom settings. Documents how collectively available knowledge of a classroom community was transformed as resources and practices were adopted by more and more members. Discusses implications for the organization of classroom environments that…

Investigated sex-related differences in science achievement from a science assessment project in British Columbia. Findings (obtained from students in grades 4, 8, and 12) confirm earlier findings that boys outscore girls on items testing understanding and application of scientific knowledge. No sex-related differences on process skills were…

Analysis of the literal and metaphorical responses of a sixth grade traditionalist American Indian boy revealed that 6 months' instruction in seashore ecology had increased his scientific knowledge and ability to see the seashore from several perspectives but had not disrupted his spiritual beliefs. Contains 23 references. (SV)

Thirty teachers and 718 students in grades 4, 5, and 6 in Edmonton, Alberta participated in a study to determine the value of simultaneous one-way television and group telephone conferencing (compared to conventional instruction) for teaching LANDSAT imagery. Results indicate that: (1) a 5-hour instruction period is sufficient to train elementary…

This document reports the results of a Canadian survey that questioned approximately 4,000 students and 200 teachers on marine related topics. The student population consisted of children from the fifth through ninth grades. Their questionnaire included items on: (1) attitudes toward the ocean, wildlife, and marine resource issues; (2) orientation…

This study describes cognitive and social aspects of children's development of scientific literacy in a Schools For Thought (SFT) classroom. SFT is an educational reform project that applies cognitive research about the active, reflective, and social nature of learning into classroom practice. Participants were fourth graders from a…

This study attempted to verify a strategic metacognition model of an efficient, successful science reader based on an analytical induction of reading research results; develop a valid objective assessment instrument; and provide a profile of middle school students' metacognitive knowledge about science reading, science test, and text reading…

Two activities for grades 3 through 8 explore species adaptation and forestry issues in the North American rainforests. In one activity, students create imaginary species of plants or animals that are adapted for life in an ancient temperate rainforest. In the second activity, students role play groups affected by plans to log an area of the…

This paper describes a 4-month discourse in Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) databases and the resulting classroom curriculum to identify potential factors for consideration when implementing a knowledge-building environment utilizing overlapping communities of inquiry. The study was part of a larger study of fifth and…

Annually in May and June, grade 3, 6, and 9 students in Alberta (Canada) take provincial achievement tests. This guide, in both English and French versions, explains the achievement tests. The tests are designed to indicate how well students meet the province's standards, to support teachers in planning instruction, and to inform the public about…

This book promotes an integrated curriculum to assist students in grades 6-9 in seeing the links between different subject areas and in a larger context, the direct relevance of what they are learning in school to their needs later in life. The book uses a problem-solving approach that is "technological" in nature: the book provides…

This seven-chapter report presents information on the 1980 assessment of students' science performance in the province of Manitoba. Chapter I describes the nature of and steps involved in the assessment. Chapters II, III, and IV present, analyze and discuss achievement and attitude results for grades 5, 8, and 11, respectively. Achievement results…