Designed as an analytic, exploratory inquiry into the manner in which preservice elementary school teachers make sense of their early science teaching performances, this study focused on how teachers exhibited a capacity for understanding pedagogy. Specifically, it concentrated on the reflective process as it occurred in the context of clinical…

This document outlines and discusses 67 minimum standards for good science teaching in elementary, middle/junior high, and senior high schools. The standards are presented in three sections. The first section (resources for learning) considers science spaces/places (laboratories, classrooms, individual study), science learning materials, science…

Examines the effects of a one-day Department of Energy sponsored workshop on the energy conservation attitudes of four groups (N=60) of science teachers (K-8). Content included information in the area of energy resources and energy education. Information was presented in the form of mini-lectures, slide presentations, discussions, demonstrations,…

Offers guidelines for middle and junior high school science education that administrators and/or teachers may use to re-evaluate and upgrade their programs. Addresses concerns related to: special needs of early adolescents, model science programs, model science teachers, materials and resources, and the need for continuing professional…

Investigated attitudes toward lectures, self-concept, and locus of control of Egyptian middle school teachers with (N=40) and without (N=40) professional educational training. A set of more desirable attitudes toward lectures, higher self-concept, and greater internal locus of control were found in the group with professional training. (DH)

This paper describes the design, testing, and analyzing of a model to improve science teaching and student learning in the classroom. The model centers on empowering classroom teachers enrolled in a graduate course with knowledge of the research literature in a way that improves their ability to teach science and to bring the world of research and…

Tested effect of two persuasive messages presented by a credible communicator on energy conservation attitudes of 180 preservice elementary teachers. Focused on changes resulting from brief, belief-laden communication; dissipation of attitude gains after treatment; and whether integrated/nonintegrated communications affected energy attitudes of…

Determines if elementary teachers' (N=138) understanding of SCIS concepts and teaching strategies change as a result of a televised inservice program using confidence levels as a criterion for understanding. Findings indicate that an inservice program consisting of televised sessions significantly improves teachers' understanding of SCIS concepts…

Discusses an American Chemical Society (ACS)'s report on science education which is a synthesis of a series of policies developed by ACS. Summarizes recommendations in four areas: elementary teacher education; pre-high school curricula; university research funding; and underrepresented populations. (YP)

Described and assessed was the teacher's role in three elementary school science programs which included hands-on learning experiences for the students. Results indicated that this role varied with the manner in which hands-on materials were used in the program. (CW)

Outlines sources of federal money for precollege science and mathematics education. Summarizes programs of various organizations: (1) National Science Foundation; (2) Department of Energy; (3) American Association for the Advancement of Science; (4) National Science Teachers Association; (5) National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; and (6)…

This study investigated the effect of three specific hands-on teaching strategies on the attainment and alteration of preservice elementary teachers' conceptions about earth-sun-moon relationships. The subjects (n=76) were enrolled in an elementary school science methods course. The descriptive nature of this study explored: (1) the effect of two…

This action research study developed a framework for moving teachers toward an inquiry-based approach to teaching science, emphasizing elements, strategies, and supports necessary to encourage and sustain teachers' use of inquiry-based science instruction. The study involved a literature review, participant observation, focus group discussions,…

One very important component of elementary science student achievement is the teacher. This paper describes the effect of student teaching on attitude and anxiety toward science and science teaching among preservice elementary student teachers (n=71). Attitude was measured using the Revised Science Attitude Scale. Anxiety was measured using the…

This guide is for the gifted, talented, or creative student in grades 4-9, who wants to do a science project, enter a competitive fair, or who is interested in pursuing an independent study in any subject area. The first part of the book is a teacher's guide. It gives directions, guidelines, suggestions, and tips for assisting students in the…