Describes the use of constructivism in teaching human anatomy. Provides directions for constructing arm-hand and leg-foot models that include extensor and flexor muscles and that are easily and cheaply constructed. Lists resources that provide ideas for using such models depending upon the curriculum implemented in a school or the course that is…

Describes an information technology assignment given to grade 7-8 students that provides students with the focused topic of food biotechnology to encourage critical thinking. (KHR)

Two classroom case studies are used to investigate common concerns about the use and value of Science-Technology-Society (STS) themes as curriculum organizers. The author discusses the fear that a focus on STS may de-emphasize science concept learning in the overall curriculum, and suggests that this may be appropriate at the middle school level.…

Describes Waunakee Community School's six-week Summer Science Program for students entering the seventh grade. Students are selected for this science enrichment program on the basis of interest, ability, and maturity. Program content includes wetlands, forests, prairies, and animals, concluding with a camping trip. (DS)

This 10-chapter report provides detailed information on a study which examined what combinations of teacher, student, and curricular variables were associated with more effective life science instruction at the intermediate level. The conception of effectiveness was guided by the normative framework of scientific literacy and by student growth on…

Generative learning strategies are the focus of the study described in this paper. Research questions pertain to the effect of practice in the generation of analogies and summaries by Grade 7 students on their achievement in science, the different types and numbers of analogies that students generate, and students' perceptions of the effectiveness…

This study examined two major areas: (1) evaluation of the characteristics, interactions, problem-solving strategies and achievement of seventh- and eighth-grade junior high school students (N=66) as they interacted with a microcomputer in three problem-solving sessions, and (2) determination of the effectiveness of three original microcomputer…