Students from grades four through eleven (n=304) responded to a questionnaire regarding their viewpoints on grades. Three dimensions were examined: (1) attitudes about being graded; (2) comprehension of grading systems; and (3) causal perceptions and attributions about why students get good grades. Findings are discussed. (Author/MT)

Focus group interviews were used to gather information from adolescent participants that could be applied to the design of a smoking prevention program. Various students of low socioeconomic status took part in role plays, auctions, and guided discussions to learn about smoking attitudes. (Author/DF)

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)

The social impact of assertive versus nonassertive behavior in fourth- and fifth-grade boys was investigated. Subjects viewed and evaluated eight videotaped scenes of different ten-year-old male models responding assertively or nonassertively to given situations. Results suggest that assertive behavior is valued by elementary school boys. (RDN)

Cognitive and affective outcomes of a class visit to a participatory science museum were examined by comparing responses of 416 fifth and sixth graders randomly assigned to four conditions (control, exhibit, lesson, exhibit followed by lesson) and two tests (verbal and visual). Results and implications for science education are presented.…

Concludes that reading interests of children were similar across achievement levels. Offers tips to help low-achievers choose recreational reading materials. (FL)

This study assesses the School Health Curriculum Project's (SHCP) effect on fifth-grade students' (n=746) health knowledge level and their decision-making skills concerning cigarette smoking. No significant differences were found on the knowledge test, but analysis of all the decision-making variables revealed significant differences. (JMK)

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether sex operated as a diffuse status characteristic in mixed-sex groups of fourth- and fifth-grade children (n=168), and (2) whether an intervention based on expectation states theory would be successful in changing the status relationships within such groups. (PN)

This cross-cultural study tests a model of motivation on children's learning. Participating in the study are 805 Chinese students and 740 Canadian students. Students answered survey questions related to their perceptions of parents and teachers as well as their motivation orientations and the perceived level of control in learning; their homeroom…

A study examined whether students' reading ability affected their level of aesthetic reading response when reading level-appropriate literature. During the study, 28 fifth graders read books and wrote responses to what they read. Responses were scored on a rubric valuing aesthetic responses that demonstrated personal experiences. Students' reading…

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of levels of participation and award structure of science fairs on elementary students' attitudes toward science and interests in science. Fifth grade students participated in one of four science fairs: mandatory/competitive, mandatory/noncompetitive, voluntary/competitive, or…

This paper describes the development, validation, and analysis of a classroom learning environment questionnaire that uses parent perceptions in conjunction with student perceptions in investigating classroom learning environments in grades 4 and 5 in a South Florida school. Two modified versions of the What Is Happening in this Class (WIHIC)…

Investigated the relationship between hyperactive behavior and children's (N=92) perceptions of teachers' behavior, particularly acceptance and demand. Hyperactive behavior was significantly related to both variables in the directions of less perceived acceptance and greater perceived demand. Hyperactive boys perceived significantly less…

This article offers ways to teach students about nuclear war. Suggestions include: (1) teaching problem solving; (2) presenting alternative views; (3) taking a factual approach; (4) thinking about possibilities; and (5) encouraging action. Included is a list of curriculum guides appropriate for teachers of intermediate grade students. (JMK)