Describes a study focusing on the role of chalkboards in classroom science talk. Discusses similarities of the overall structure of the whole-class conversation with scientific laboratory talk. Suggests implications for design of technologies that allow larger numbers of students to participate in whole-class sense-making conversations.…

Defines a portfolio as a container of documents that provide evidence. Suggests the following questions that most be considered in using portfolios in educational assessment: (1) What does the portfolio contain evidence about? (2) What will count as evidence in the portfolio? (PR)

Asserts that in the last couple of years a number of excellent sources of information directly related to using portfolios in science have emerged. Lists 11 articles that can provide knowledge about the use of portfolios in education.(PR)

Describes ideas for applying research from space programs to life science instruction including plants in space, exercise and diet on space flights, environmental advantages from space exploration, and the effects of microgravity on health. Discusses space spinoffs used in medicine including digital imaging processing and the Ingestible Thermal…

In a sixth grade science classroom for able students, major grades are broken down into four categories: lab reports, projects, creative writing, and written tests. These four components of assessment structure how the curriculum content is presented. (JDD)

Identifies a variety of methods to introduce constellations and asterisms to students in the classroom and planetarium prior to their study of the night sky. Materials used include transparencies, oatmeal boxes, photographic slides, and tracing paper. Exercises incorporate storytelling and prediction of location, movement, and seasonal patterns of…

The effect of graphic organizers on 14 learning-disabled students' (grades 5 and 6) recall of science content was compared with that of students taught identical content without the graphic organizer condition. Evaluation two weeks later found no statistically significant differences between the groups on production or choice response tasks. (DB)

Describes CD-ROM-based program called Joint Education Initiative that was started by U.S. Geological Survey. The culmination of the collaborative effort includes three compact discs and a teacher activity book. The discs contain several databases, geophysical data that can be superimposed over satellite images of North America, images from the…

Describes a science project in which students make models of polymers using polyvinyl alcohol solution. Students make T-shirts using polymer paint to remind them of their activities. (MDH)

Argues that teachers are challenged to understand how constructivism can serve as a referent for teaching. Discusses one approach that provides opportunities for teachers to practice innovative strategies while engaging in discourse about the process. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

The Manhattanville (New York) College Neuroscience Outreach Program is a research-based effort that presents different topics in neuroscience to science students in local middle schools. The program aims to provide a forum for curriculum development and teaching, enhance a cooperative internal community, and increase student awareness of the…

Recommends the use of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project which gives thinking skills lessons to students ages 11-13 to increase their general thinking ability. (DDR)

Reports on a study of Grade 6 students in two French immersion classrooms who learned how to talk about chemical reactions. Results show that these students were able to improve how they "talk science" by appropriating certain characteristics of scientific discourse. (Author/VWL)

Examines the relationships and development of communities of concepts related to heat and convection among fifth grade students. Discusses the influence of familial and cultural experiences on conceptual development as well as the extent to which competing phenomena affect the development of new conceptual understandings. (Contains 49 references.)…

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,…