Reports on an investigation of young children's (n=15) spontaneously constructed or naive understanding of the particulate nature of matter to any formal instruction in the domain. Speculates that children first develop local frameworks particular to different classes of substances, then slowly expand those frameworks to include a wide range of…

Living in a drug-using society presents even children of primary age with many hazards. There are physical hazards: for example, finding used syringes and needles in the park or on the beach, or being exposed to alcohol at a family party. There are other hazards, too--legal, social and medical. Therefore, education about drugs helps children and…

This study reports on student experiences in an inquiry-oriented elementary science methods course. Students in this course designed and conducted an independent investigation, and then adapted that investigation to develop an inquiry-oriented lesson and a corresponding performance assessment. Students' written reflections expressed increased…

This study examined the change in preservice teachers' causal attributions for the success or failure of elementary students engaged in a hands-on science activity investigating electrical conductors. Subjects first viewed a videodisc capturing a complete science activity in a real classroom and were asked to indicate whether the elementary…

This guide is one of a set of 10 science guides, each covering a separate grade in Manitoba, together covering kindergarten through grade 9. The guides have been designed to provide a framework for building scientific concepts and developing the learning of process skills. They replace an earlier set of guides dated 1979. Each guide is essentially…

This paper discusses the relationship between the work that takes place in science laboratories and the science curriculum that is presented in the schools. The introduction asserts that although science education identifies itself with the scholarly disciplines of science, science educators should devise curricula that fairly represent these…

Because of changes in the Swedish educational system (including formation of a new upper secondary school), as well as changes in other countries, the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) is undertaking a new science study to provide evidence for policymaking and for better understanding the…

The norm of "universalism" determines maintenance of science in society by preventing restriction of access to the field on grounds other than competence. Inferences for this theory are made on the basis of a test-case of the proposition that differential socialization predicts entry into the scientific talent pool. The Early Childhood Women in…

Based on experiences gained during the Girls into Science and Technology (GIST) project, this report reviews practical suggestions for teaching science to mixed classes in ways that encourage girls to become more involved in the sciences. Chapter 1 provides data about sex differences in examination entries and women's representation in…

Describes the process of acquiring a computer-assisted instruction system by the Linton-Stockton School Corporation (LSSC). Discusses problems that made the acquisition difficult. Presents the results of a standardized achievement test given to students before and after experience with the system. Emphasizes gains in reading comprehension. (CW)

Reports on a study conducted in the Richardson Independent School District (Texas) which was designed to assess the attitudes toward science of students and teachers who have been involved with the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) compared to non-SCIS students and teachers. (TW)

Investigated if relationships existed between middle school students (N=105) science concept structure interrelatedness competence and their time on task, science achievement, scholastic aptitude, previous experience with concept structure interrelatedness, attitudes toward science, interest in science, science curiosity, and self-concept of…

Explored relationships of students, teachers, and learning environment variables to science attitude. Variables found related to science attitude of all classes at grade levels four, seven, and nine were: sense of importance of science; student fatalism; teacher quality; and numerous learning environment variables. Implications for science…

Data from surveys/studies indicate that women/minorities achieve at lower levels, take fewer science courses, and lack sufficient role models. Most minority students have positive attitudes toward science but girls do not understand, use, or like science. Suggests exploiting positive Black attitudes and eliminating negative female attitudes to…

Reports the development of a written measure of nutrition and physical fitness knowledge for use with upper elementary school students, developed as the cognitive component of an assessment instrument that also included attitude and behavior sections. (CS)