This study explores the characteristics of after-school program activities at a charter school in the Southeast US highlighting students' experiences with and gains from these after-school program activities. A qualitative case study design was employed to understand students' views and opinions regarding the activities and their learning…

This study examined science textbooks over time to better understand the "science content" expectations that the U.S. educational system deems appropriate for 8th and 9th grade science students. The study attempted to answer the questions: (1) What specific science content has been presented via the textbook from 1952 to 2008? (2) Within…

This study proposes an empirical classification of ways to introduce elements of the history of science into science teaching, as well as describing a special way to do so characterized by the introduction of short extracts from historical texts. The aim is to motivate students to participate in problem-solving activities and to transform their…

This paper reports results of a large-scale, descriptive study of correlates of attitudes toward the mathematical, natural, and social sciences. Objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the levels and direction of attitudes toward the sciences as a function of grade level; (2) probe into possible causal determinants of these attitudes; and…

Using a theoretical model which examines three essential features thought to influence student attitudes (teacher, students, learning environment), the relationship between these features at three grade levels (4th--N=649, 7th--N=630, 9th--N=686) was investigated. Correlational/regression analyses, conclusions, and implications are reported.…

In 1986, a total of 11 different populations involving more than 1000 schools and more than 20,000 students participated in the Second IEA Science Study (SISS). This digest discusses findings related to curricular patterns and student outcomes. Ratings were done at grades 5, 9, and 12, to ensure that the achievement tests reflected the science…

This report concerns a descriptive study undertaken in 1982-1983 as part of the Second International Science Study (SISS) under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) for the purpose of examining key elements of K-12 science instruction in the United States. Special attention was directed…

Presents results of a program to evaluate effectiveness of the dissemination of curriculum enrichment materials developed as part of Ohio Sea Grant in 1977. This 1980 Evaluation measured attitudes and knowledge of randomly selected schools' fifth- to ninth-grade students. A similar survey begun in September 1983 continues the evaluation process.…

Data on science achievement, student attitudes and educational practices in the United States and 23 other countries were collected. This data was taken from random samples of the fifth, ninth, and twelfth grade levels. This report card conveys a few of the findings of the Second IEA Science Study regarding the performance of students in the U.S.…

The Second International IEA Science Study (SISS) had participants from 24 countries. In this report the data collected in 17 countries are analyzed and reported. Students from the 5th, 9th, and 12th grades were tested. The results from achievement tests, student questionnaires, opinionnaires, a science teaching and learning inventory, a word…

This 10-chapter report presents information on the 1986 assessment of students' science performance in the province of Manitoba in Canada. The assessment was intended to provide a broad base of accurate information on the performance of grade 3, 6, and 9 students. The program of studies for Manitoba schools is designed to educate the student in…