Reported is a study designed to determine (1) if there was any significant relationship between elementary teachers' realistic and idealistic attitudes toward selected science-related concepts, (2) if the degree of open- or closed-mindedness of the teachers had any relationship to these realistic or idealistic attitudes, and (3) if instruction had…

This is the report of a study designed to (1) examine the status of teacher-training preparation in the new elementary science programs in methods classes of institutions in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, (2) identify characteristics of the methods courses, and (3) examine opinions of the instructors about the new science…

This paper presents the procedures, findings, and conclusions of a study designed to determine the effects of a modified elementary science education methods course on students' creative thinking, self evaluation, and achievement. While lecture-discussions were essentially the same for both experimental and control groups, the laboratory sessions…

Reported is a study to evaluate the outcomes of a combined content and methods course in terms of the previously stated objectives. The objectives for the combined course were placed into categories under the headings of content knowledge, valence factors (including motivation, confidence, and positive attitude toward science), and teaching…

This study, using selected activities from the "Students Toward Environmental Participation" (STEP) program, compared the attitudes of forty-one preservice science and social studies teachers toward activities in environmental/ecological field trips. No significant differences existed between the attitudes of perspective science and social studies…

Assessed the effectiveness of conducting an elementary science methods course based on the Concerns Based Adoption Model (CBAM) on the concerns and attitudes of 85 preservice elementary teachers. Results indicate that neither traditional nor CBAM methods courses proved superior in affecting concerns or attitudes of the preservice teachers.…

This study analyzed the effectiveness of an instructional model in environmental education and ecological foundations. Preservice elementary science methods students were tested for their ability to define environmental education and to acquire ecological concepts. Results indicate a significant gain in these areas by the experimental group. (MR)

This paper presents three reasons why teachers should understand and actively use models and model building to frame science. First, science model building and testing is the heart of scientific enterprise, and understanding of the process is crucial for developing scientific literacy. Second, models are a familiar framework through which to…

Studied differences in preservice elementary teachers' attitudes toward concept science and science processes on the basis of semantic differential score gains in the pre- and posttest design. Concluded that process approach instruction in methods courses was effective in securing changes in a positive direction. (CC)

Analyzes science teaching on the basis of results of an assessment instrument which was administered to 283 preservice elementary teachers immediately following their teaching experience. Indicates that the brightest hope for the future is greatly dependent upon implementation of teacher education in colleges or universities. (CC)

Describes the main features of the Physics Method component of the Post Graduate Certificate of Education course offered to preservice science teachers at Bath University, England. (JR)

Reports the results of a study designed to identify the particular laboratory skills and techniques that should be incorporated into college courses in techniques for pre-service and in-service high school biology teachers. (JR)

A field-based program for elementary education majors is described. Details are given concerning the elementary science methods component of the program. (DT)