Scientific sense-making is a process in which theory and evidence are brought into coordination. This work examines the conditions for the development of scientific sense-making in fifth and sixth grade classroom science lessons. Classroom activities that were structured as a series of presentations are compared with activities structured more as…

Observes students in 6th grade science classes as they use the Web to carry out an inquiry-based assignment. Explores their understanding and enactment of the assignment to do research on the Web. (Author/CCM)

Investigates the relationship of locus-of-control orientation and task structure to the science problem-solving performance of 100 same-sex, sixth-grade student pairs. Some overall conclusions were that there was no relationship between locus-of-control orientation and effectiveness of problem-solving strategy. Internality was significantly…

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)

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)

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)

The scientific and technological literacy of sixth graders in Israel was assessed though a national evaluation of the elementary science curriculum with over 2,700 students. The definition of scientific and technological literacy for this study is discussed. By the definitions in the study, very few sixth graders had achieved the desired literacy…

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…

In this study, a conceptual change model serves as a theoretical underpinning for analyzing what might count as evidence of conceptual change. Theoretical components of the conceptual change model include the status a conception has for learners, and the conceptual ecology of knowledge within which conceptions are believed to survive and have…

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 study examined the relationships between cognitive development, language acquisition, and socioeconomic class, as manifested in children's written language. Four classes of sixth-grade students participated in the investigation, a control class and an experimental class from each of two socioeconomic environments (low and high). The treatment…

Presents the perspectives of a number of students on science, society, and the future. Focuses on the benefits of scientific knowledge and associated changes. (DDR)

This activity guide, developed to provide environmental education through a series of hands-on activities geared to Medoc Mountain State Park in North Carolina, is targeted for grades 4, 5, and 6 and meets curriculum objectives of the standard course of study established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Three types of…

Investigated relationships among attitudes toward science, interest in science, science curiosity, and self-concept of science ability. Data, obtained from 228 sixth-grade students, show that attitudes toward science, interest in science, and science curiosity are highly related. Implications of these findings for science instruction are…

The purpose of this study was to describe the depth and accuracy of sixth grade students' content understanding as a result of engaging in information seeking activities using Web-based resources in the University of Michigan's Digital Library. Eight student pairs received scaffolded pedagogical support from classroom teachers while completing…