Alternative classifications commonly used by children aged 12, 14, and 15 are presented. Why children use such alternatives is discussed. Age- and gender-related trends in performance on classification tasks is examined. Children's attitudes to classification and their perceptions of its usefulness in school and everyday contexts are reviewed. (KR)

Fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=154) participated in a study which found that cooperative learning situations, compared to individualistic ones, promoted more positive cross-sex and cross-handicap relationships. It was also found that males achieved higher and had more positive attitudes toward science than did females. (Author/JN)

Investigated whether differences existed between gifted (N=25) and nongifted (N=25) fifth graders and between the sexes and related subgroups with respect to attitudes toward science. Although results indicated that gifted students had more positive attitudes than nongifted students and boys had more positive attitudes than girls, the findings…

Examines science achievement and attitude scores of fifth-grade students obtained from the Second International Science Study. Compares these results to those obtained from students in 1970. Data related to biology, space sciences, sex differences, and other areas are highlighted. (JN)

This paper: (1) briefly reviews the existing literature which supports that female adolescents possess significantly more negative attitudes toward middle school science than do males; (2) examines the process of gender socialization in the United States to establish the socio-cultural and social psychological framework within which an attitudinal…

Performance on five logical, spatial, and formal tasks was used to make inferences about the reasoning structures of 101 middle and high school students. Findings (obtained during interviews) include grade level differences in performance and sex differences in performance on one of the tasks. Implications for instruction are proposed. (Author/JN)

This paper describes an intergenerational science program called Sisters in Science which fosters girls' interest and achievement in science. The program is designed to encourage and prepare girls and women for careers in math, science, and technology. A group of fourth grade girls from 19 classrooms across 6 elementary schools met once a week…

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the knowledge regarding marine organisms and their feeding relationships of fourth grade residents of one coastal and one inland community in south Texas and to generate grounded theory concerning the participants' construction of such knowledge. Four male and four female students were randomly…

This study was designed to assess the effect of a process oriented elementary science curriculum upon students' achievement. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) Complete Battery with the social studies and science supplements was administered to sixth grade students completing one, two, or three years of the Science through Discovery program in…

Investigated sex-related differences in science achievement from a science assessment project in British Columbia. Findings (obtained from students in grades 4, 8, and 12) confirm earlier findings that boys outscore girls on items testing understanding and application of scientific knowledge. No sex-related differences on process skills were…

Sisters in Science, like many other programs aimed at fostering girls' interest and achievement in science, is designed to encourage more girls and women to prepare for the careers in math, science, and technology that will dominate the 21st century. One of the foci of Sisters in Science was on the role of teachers as decision-makers in promoting…

It has been well documented that inequities in science and mathematics achievement exist between males and females for a variety of reasons. Among the explanations for this are the notions that female students tend to perceive science/mathematics as a male dominated field of study, female students are less interested in science/mathematics,…

Investigated developmental and/or sex components of energy attitudes using Kuhn's Energy Opinionnaire. Results indicate that changes in student attitudes through grade levels are consistent with cognitive and affective development literature and that sex differences are more pronounced in older students (with females having a more external world…

The Sisters in Science program seeks to increase elementary school girls' interest and achievement in science and mathematics, to create a more positive learning climate for minority school girls and their families on academic and community/social levels, and increase the knowledge base and understanding of parents with respect to their influence…

Examines gender differences in science achievements and attitudes during the middle grades. Reports that female students do not lag behind in science achievement tests and course enrollments, but have less positive attitudes toward science and less interest in science careers. Science attitudes and career interests vary according to gender as well…