This resource is part of a series of reports about challenges facing statewide science assessments and innovative solutions states are enacting to meet those challenges. Deciding to implement a system of assessments is a critical step toward ensuring that all students are getting the high-quality science education they need--but it is also…

This paper presents the results of a case study involving 282 Taiwanese elementary science teachers at the elementary level. These teachers provided responses to the science efficacy instrument (STEBI-A) and also provided personal data regarding how their years of general (YTE) and science (YTS) teaching experience may have influenced student…

This book shares the lessons learned by a large community of educational researchers and science teachers as they designed, developed, and investigated a new technology-enhanced learning environment known as WISE: The Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment. WISE offers a collection of free, customizable curriculum projects on topics central to the…

Discusses workshops featuring an interactive exhibit program for elementary science teachers. Science is learned in an inquiry-based mode and science teaching props are developed. Describes the interactive science exhibits, needs assessment, and workshop programs. Provides evaluation results of the workshop. (YP)

This report is a policy statement for science curriculum and instruction in elementary schools. It describes a set of organizing principles that incorporate what science ought to be taught, and a learning sequence that illustrates how more "hand-on, minds-on" science can become more prevalent in our schools. Chapters included are: (1)…

Florida's Educational Reform Act of 1983 delineated a desired state for science K-12. In 1987, a study was conducted to determine the extent to which elementary school teachers were aware of the State's requirements and standards and were able to implement instruction to meet them. The format used to present and interpret the data was a…

The "Habitat" learning system was designed by TVOntario's Children's Programming department for junior-level students. It consists of 20 programs (each 15 minutes long), a teacher's guide, and a magazine for students. Three major objectives of the series were to (1) instruct children in scientific principles relating to habitats; (2)…

An analysis and comparison of science education in Japan and the United States is presented. Studies in comparative science education, including the first and second International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and the Japan and United States Cooperative Science Project, provide an empirical base for some of the…

Described are the rationale, methodology, and findings of seven case studies designed to investigate the teaching and learning strategies employed in science classes by exemplary teachers. Findings focused on management strategies, student understanding, student participation, and classroom environment. (CW)

This paper describes how the Canadian province of Saskatchewan responded to demands for science curriculum renewal. Eleven topics for discussion in the science education field study were posed and reactions from teachers and administrators are reported. (YP)

This study determined the status of marine education inclusion into K-12 lessons in North Carolina and reflected some inservice parameters. Analysis of a statewide, K-12 survey indicated: (1) 86% of the teachers responding taught some marine concepts in their classes; (2) the criteria for accessing information differed significantly among primary,…

Described is a survey of the topical emphases in the science methods courses of 239 teacher education institutions. A list of the topics and how they were rated is included. Elementary science methods textbooks commonly used are listed. (CW)

Describes a workshop model administered for 10 days over a period of 7 weeks. The workshop was used to develop an elementary science curriculum in Trinidad and Tobago. The effect of the model on teacher attitudes toward science and science teaching was evaluated. (YP)

The results of a survey of science teachers from southern Illinois and western Kentucky regarding their perceptions of science-related social issue goal statements are presented. Recommendations based on this survey are discussed. (CW)

Collaborations between public schools and national and corporate laboratories, universities, museums, and other institutions may be a significant force in upgrading science education at the elementary and secondary levels. This report focuses on the new, inter-institutional approaches to the improvement of science education and attempts to assess…