The ability of teachers to adopt inquiry-based learning depends to a large extent on their knowledge, skills, perception, and attitudes toward it. Therefore, it is important to explore the preservice teachers' experience of learning and teaching with this method, with the assistance and mediation of preservice teachers' educators. Preservice…

This study aimed at exploring the practices and beliefs physics teachers have about introducing reform-based instruction into the physics class. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews held with 11 experienced physics teachers. The results revealed that the teachers occasionally introduced a small number of enhanced instructional…

Investigated were factors affecting student choice of academic orientations in science in secondary schools of Israel. Selection of a physical science stream of course work was found to be related to socioeconomic background. (SL)

Following a discussion of the role and importance of practical laboratory tests, describes an instrument designed for inquiry-oriented practical examinations. The instrument consists of 21 categories representing different inquiry skills. Examples and illustrative data based on results in biology matriculation examination in Israel are reported.…

A battery of tests was administered to three groups of high school students who studied the Israel Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Adaptation Program for several years. Compared with non-BSCS students, the progress of the BSCS students in biological knowledge, inquiry skills, and understanding of science demonstrates the feasibility of…

Suggests introducing the periodic table theme for a junior high school chemistry course. Describes strategy to implement this approach with associated student activities. (DS)

Achievement scores of Israeli high school students using Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) materials were shown to be significantly higher than those for students using another curriculum. (MLH)

Presents the results of a comparative study of Canada and Israel. Science achievements based on data collected in the Second International Science Study are examined. Also the intended and translated curriculum are considered. The populations of the study, results of the study, and the similarities between students are described. (CW)

An integrated physical science course of approximately 40 instructional hours for eighth graders is described. The materials and text were prepared in accordance with the overall program for secondary school science drawn up by the Israeli Ministry of Education. (Author/MK)

Presented is a study designed to describe the characteristics, goals, and instructional strategies of high school science teachers in Israel. The study also attempted to identify factors which explain differences between teachers of different science content and provide explanations for the differential implementation of curricula in biology,…

Students' justifications for the three-item formats provided were compared. The study confirmed the usefulness of justifications as a diagnostic tool and offered recommendations regarding the use of justifications, including their use in the construction of two-tier items. (Author/CW)

This study, an extension of previous studies, compared the views of freshmen college biology, chemistry, and physics students (N=229) with those of high school seniors (N=437), focusing on: (1) interest in different high school topics; (2) nature of high school laboratory experiences; (3) use of innovative instructional strategies in high school;…

Reported is a study which investigated reasons responsible for the lack of enthusiasm among junior high teachers in implementing a new biology curriculum in Israel. Identified variables related to high expectations set at the ideal level, the greater role given to verbalization, and mechanical or routine implementation approaches. (ML)

Examines the question of the role of laboratory work in influencing Israeli students' perceptions of their chemistry laboratory learning environment. Compares responses on a learning environment inventory of two groups of students, high school students and students enrolled in vocational schools to become future laboratory technicians. (CS)

Examines whether extracurricular science activities can reduce the decline in attitude toward school science in junior and senior high school levels. Concludes that students exposed to extracurricular science activities had a more positive attitude toward school science. Sixteen references are listed. (YP)