This paper tries to explain why all the students of a same class who have got the same teaching do not go so far in their conceptual change. Here we have studied the students' conceptual change about volcanoes in a French 5th grade. The different students' preconceptions before teaching have been categorized and related to the well-known…

This report is a blueprint for the creation of an effective, national program of science education for students in America's middle-grade schools. It draws together the best that is now known about curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher development for middle-level science and was written in response to a widely expressed need to improve…

In recent years, science educators have struggled with the dual challenge of equity and excellence, of providing all students access to a quality science education, and ensuring each student achieves an understanding of scientific concepts and processes. The Program for Complex Instruction, a model of group work, addresses this dual challenge by…

An experimental group of 17 eighth graders and 16 controls conducted 2 iterations of an activity to design wind collectors. Experimentals received science and math instruction between iterations. The control group scored better on the posttest. Interviews showed the experimentals tried to apply science concepts; the controls depended on what they…

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the largest and most ambitious international study of mathematics and science achievement ever undertaken, with more than 500,000 school students in 45 countries being tested in mathematics and science at five different school year levels. South Africa is the first country in Africa…

Integrated mathematics and science teaching and learning is a widely advocated yet largely unexplored phenomenon. This study involves an examination of middle school integrated mathematics and science education from two perspectives: in theory and in practice. The theoretical component of this research addresses the ill-defined nature of the…

Many different types of air quality can be studied in middle school science classes using available supplies. This grade 6-8 activity guide was developed to provide opportunities for children to learn about the issue of air quality. Sixteen hands-on activities integrate the issue into middle school science classes. A chart categorizes the…

Presents comments on problems voiced by teachers about conducting science fairs with middle school children, also cites some advantages of science fairs. A list of simple experiments is offered that are considered within the interests and intellectual range of middle school children. (Author/EB)

Discusses need for precollegiate intervention programs to attract minority female students to fields of science and mathematics. Considers benefits for colleges that sponsor such programs. Describes types and components of intervention programs for minority females at middle school level. (NB)

Tested model of middle school science and mathematics achievement with national probability sample of 3,116 seventh grade students. Collected data from students and parents over three time periods in seventh and eighth grades. Concluded that, although prior achievement had dominant influence in schooling process, other variables including parental…

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 was part of a project to develop science and technology (STS) issue investigation and action materials with the potential for use across science and social studies classes at the secondary level. Special emphasis was given to learning teachers' perspectives on the development of a unit on the impact of pesticides on society. Seven areas…

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the largest and most ambitious international study of mathematics and science achievement ever undertaken with more than 500,000 students in 41 countries being tested in mathematics and science at three different year levels. South Africa is the first country in Africa to have…

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the largest and most ambitious international study of mathematics and science achievement ever undertaken with more than 500,000 students in 41 countries being tested in mathematics and science at three different year levels. South Africa is the first country in Africa to have…

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the largest and most ambitious international study of mathematics and science achievement ever undertaken with more than 500,000 students in 41 countries being tested in mathematics and science at three different year levels. South Africa is the first country in Africa to have…