This quasi-experimental study aimed to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in student test scores when a modified instructional sequence in middle school science is used versus the instructional sequence suggested by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Grade 8 science cumulative Standards of Learning (SOL) test results from…

The paper considers the main results and some educational implications of the TIMSS 2003 assessment conducted in Serbia in the fields of the science achievement of Serbian eighth grade students and the science curriculum context of their achievement. There were 4264 students in the sample. It was confirmed that Serbian eighth graders had made…

In this study, the first three of a panel-judged list of important biology concepts were utilized to determine their mastery level in 75 eighth-graders. The instrument, designed to measure the level of mastery, was based on Frayer's model measuring total, classificatory, and formal concept attainment according to Klausmeier. It was found that the…

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)

Eighth grade science students were given inventories in a triad and a paired comparison format. From these, a ranking of science categories was made. Students tended to rank earth-space and biological sciences ahead of the physical sciences. Reasons for this included inventory bias, maturational development, and a teacher effect. (MA)

The Connecticut Assessment of Educational Progress is a continuing program designed to measure objectively the adequacy and efficacy of the educational programs offered by the public schools. In 1979-80, students in grades 4, 8, and 11 were tested in science. Three goals were selected: (1) know the fundamental facts and principles of science; (2)…

These item specifications were developed as a part of the Arkansas "Minimum Performance Testing Program" (MPT). There is one item specification for each instructional objective included in the MPT. The purpose of an item specification is to provide an overview of the general content and format of test items used to measure an…

Completed in 1982-83, this is a manual of science competencies and proficiencies for the Moorestown Public Schools, New Jersey. The document's seven major sections include: (1) a statement of philosophy of the science department stressing science education's role as the link between science, technology, and society; (2) suggested science…

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…

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…