Alternative classifications commonly used by children aged 12, 14, and 15 are presented. Why children use such alternatives is discussed. Age- and gender-related trends in performance on classification tasks is examined. Children's attitudes to classification and their perceptions of its usefulness in school and everyday contexts are reviewed. (KR)

Examines science achievement and attitude scores of fifth-grade students obtained from the Second International Science Study. Compares these results to those obtained from students in 1970. Data related to biology, space sciences, sex differences, and other areas are highlighted. (JN)

Reports on the implementation of an extracurricular course for fifth-grade students that focuses on the structure and function of animals. Students participate in direct observation of animals, watching videotapes, group discussion, and building kits and games. (DDR)

This study used a 2-by-4 factorial design crossing the amount of information about snakes with the level of involvement students had with live specimens to evaluate the effects of an intensive environmental education experience on the attitudes of fifth- through eighth-grade students (n=502) toward wildlife. (Contains 24 references.) (MDH)

A semantic differential scale was used to detect racial prejudice before and after teaching a course developed to convey the concept "human" as consisting of many races. The course improved attitudes toward Blacks and Chinese, but little change was noted in the German children's attitudes toward Germans. (CP)

THIS BULLETIN PREPARED FOR THE ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL (ACEI) PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, CONSULTANTS, SUPERVISORS, AND OTHERS WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP EFFECTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN IN SCIENCE. THE PUBLICATION IS BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT EXPERIENCES THE CHILD HAS…

When teachers possess detailed knowledge about children's thinking and problem solving, it can profoundly affect their knowledge of their students and their planning for instruction. Reported is a project designed to demonstrate the feasibility of redesigning courses for prospective teachers in mathematics and science by incorporating into the…