The high percentage of students not participating in or completing a science research project has been a recurring problem for science teachers. In this project, three variables influencing the problem are identified: (1) students' failure to engage in an active search for science research topics; (2) inadequate resource materials at the middle…

Designed to be a supplement to a short course for middle school children and their parents, this document provides learning experiences for studying ecology during the winter. The purposes of the course are to introduce families to the pleasures of outdoor field exploration and to give them a basic ecological framework as well as specific skills…

Fifth and eighth grade students in New York City participated in a citywide science survey for the fourth consecutive year in 1987. These surveys were designed to assess overall achievement in the pre-high school grades and to provide school, district and citywide summary information about student performance in basic areas of the science…

Tropical forests provide the world with many products and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. These forests also provide watershed areas, soil control, climate regulation, and winter homes for migrating birds from North America. It is believed that about 40% of tropical forests have already been destroyed in the last 20-30 years,…

The concept of the density of a material has an important role in elementary and secondary school science curricula, but it is a difficult concept to grasp. This project explores why this should be and whether there are some simpler, more accessible notions which can serve as the basis for building a concept of density in students' minds during…

This report discusses the development of the Science Careers Program (SCP), describes the final product, presents the results of an evaluation study of the program, and discusses plans for dissemination. SCP is aimed at increasing the career relevance of science education for all students in grades 4-9, while at the same time particularly…

This report is the second in a series of monographs in which the results of Australian student performance in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) are presented. The main purpose of these reports is to describe the schools, teachers, and students who participated in TIMSS and to present student achievement results.…

In 1990, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) included a Trial State Assessment (TSA); for the first time in the NAEP's history, voluntary state-by-state assessments were made. The sample was designed to represent the 8th grade public school population in a state or territory. In 1996, 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam,…

In 1990, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) included a Trial State Assessment (TSA); for the first time in the NAEP's history, voluntary state-by-state assessments were made. The sample was designed to represent the 8th grade public school population in a state or territory. In 1996, 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam,…

Presents a historical and content background of the metric system. Describes 1 of a series of integrated hands-on lessons for grades 4-7 to teach the measuring of volume with metrics. Provides a worksheet for the lesson and a concept map of the metric system. (MDH)

An activity in which students establish criteria outlining what constitutes wasted paper, calculate averages, and compute the number of trees needed to produce a measured amount of wasted paper is described. The mathematics and science concepts, objectives, rationale, content overview, lesson outline, and extensions are included. (KR)

Study monitored teacher questioning behavior within mainstreamed middle school social studies and science classrooms at teacher-to-group and teacher-to-student levels. At the group level, teacher questioning behavior was similar across both classes. At the individual level, content interacted with student and question types to produce different…

Describes three programs funded by the Toyota Appreciation Program for Excellence to Science Teachers Reaching Youth (TAPESTRY) program: (1) High School Hawk Watch promotes wildlife awareness student research; (2) Science without Bounds makes science accessible to at-risk and minority students; and (3) Kansas Environmental Monitoring Network…

Describes Team Science, a child-centered, activity-based science program for middle school students that evolved over a 25-year period. Three key components for success include educational philosophy, teaching and modeling respect, and a quality science program. Philosophy stresses maintaining natural curiosity and developing skills for lifelong…

The purposes of the Colorado Science Teaching Enhancement Program (CO-STEP) are to improve the background in science content and the instructional skills of teachers in grades four through six throughout Colorado and to support the implementation of effective instruction. A network of six Teacher Development Centers in Colorado coordinate teacher…