The investigation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and the quality of education within and between the four disciplines continues to be a topic of concern throughout the United States. Employers, policymakers and educators have recognized a need for a stronger focus on the quality of STEM education in schools (Becker…

Science teaching in elementary schools, or the lack thereof, continues to be an area of concern and criticism. Preservice elementary teachers' lack of confidence in teaching science is a major part of this problem. In this mixed-methods study, we report the impacts of an inquiry-based science course on preservice elementary teachers' self-efficacy…

The purpose of this research was to investigate the conceptions and misconceptions of young children (ages 3-8) related to science concepts, skills, and phenomena. These conceptions and misconceptions were investigated within the framework of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards for Pre-Kindergarten and the Pennsylvania Standards for…

This study implemented a qualitative approach to examine the phenomenon of "inquiry-based science pedagogy or inquiry instruction" as it has been experienced by individuals. Data was collected through online open-ended surveys, focus groups, and teacher reported self-reflections to answer the research questions: 1) How do middle level…

Guided by a new framework, the NAEP science assessment was updated in 2009 to keep the content current with key developments in science, curriculum standards, assessments, and research. The 2009 framework organizes science content into three broad content areas. Physical science includes concepts related to properties and changes of matter, forms…

Inquiry science, including a focus on evidence-based discourse, is essential to spark interest in science education in the early grades and maintain that interest throughout children's schooling. The researcher was interested in two broad areas: inquiry science in the elementary classroom and the need/desire for professional development…

Guided by a new framework, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science assessment was updated in 2009 to keep the content current with key developments in science, curriculum standards, assessments, and research. The 2009 framework organizes science content into three broad content areas. Physical science includes concepts…

This publication for methods instructors contains articles dealing with science education in elementary schools. Titles of articles appearing in this issue are: The Unit Box Approach, Let's Take Science Out of the Mouths of the Teacher and Put It into the Hands of the Child, Environmental Education and the Inservice Teacher, A Comparison of Two…

This report summarizes the activities and findings of the external evaluation of the "Science: It's Elementary" (SIE) program during the period from July 2008 through June 2009. The SIE program is managed by ASSET Inc. and overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. SIE is an initiative aimed at improving elementary science…

Describes an educational TV series, broadcast in Pennsylvania, called Science for the Seventies (SFTS), which presents science lessons for the elementary level. Each lesson consists of objectives, background information, an equipment list, and four or five related science activities. (MLH)

This continuum is designed to be used as a guide to aid science educators, elementary teachers, administrators, and others in developing elementary school science curricula. It is divided into five major competency areas: (1) processes of science; (2) biological science; (3) physical science; (4) earth and space science; and (5) attitudes (toward…

Science Unlimited (Pennsylvania Department of Education's elementary science effort) has developed a series of television programs for use in the primary and intermediate grades. These television programs form an integral part of science lessons which emphasize direct involvement of children with materials and ideas, provide for individual and…

This competency matrix matches the primary and intermediate Science Unlimited lessons with the established competencies which appear in the Science Unlimited competency continuum. Primary lessons deal with: investigating dripping faucets; classification/sorting; smell; eyes; color; air; weather; observation and description; mystery boxes; change;…

This report summarizes the activities and findings of the external evaluation of the "Science: It's Elementary" (SIE) program in the period June 2007 through May 2008. The SIE program is managed by ASSET Inc. and overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. SIE is an initiative aimed at improving elementary science instruction…

Science Unlimited (Pennsylvania Department of Education's elementary science effort) has developed a series of television programs for use in the primary and intermediate grades. These television programs form an integral part of science lessons which emphasize direct involvement of children with materials and ideas, provide for individual and…