This book explores the meaning of learning in science at the primary level and uses it as a basis for discussion of the content, methods, organization, resources, and the teacher's role. The first five chapters address how learning in science takes place, what aims are appropriate for elementary students, and how opportunities for learning can be…

Despite the fact that the sky is the most dominant feature of our surroundings, it plays the role of an unseen background for many objects. It is the intent of this guide to bring about an awareness of the sky to young people. Topics for activities include: (1) "Sky Awareness"; (2) "Compass"; (3) "Hand Lens"; (4)…

Despite the fact that the sky is the most dominant feature of our surroundings, it plays the role of an unseen background for may objects. It is the intent of this guide to bring about an awareness of the sky to young people. Topics for activities include: (1) "Sky Awareness"; (2) "Compass"; (3) "Hand Lens"; (4) "Prism"; (5) "Binoculars"; (6)…

The problem-solving mode of teaching science implies change for teachers, administrators, state education departments, and other individuals charged with implementing educational innovation. This study provides a descriptive record and interpretation of the words and actions of an elementary school teacher beginning to learn about teaching science…

A significant alternative to the traditional text-based approach to elementary science has been represented by the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). Although the literature documents the process of the investigative approach, greater utilization of available programs and support from teachers are not evidenced. This investigation was…

This publication points to a need for a renewal of primary education which would provide universal schooling in countries where it does not presently exist. Science and technology education are essential to this renewal since they make the school more relevant to the working world, local realities, and future opportunities. This book attempts to…

Most people think of nature in the city as parks and zoos and dandelions pushing up through cracks in the sidewalk, but it is also asphalt streets, granite office buildings and mazes of underground pipes and cables. The materials of which the streets and buildings are constructed began as prehistoric jungles and ancient mountains. The systems that…

This study examines the limited literature on zoomobile programs and suggests that remarkable uniformity exists between such variables as types and lengths of programs offered, animals used, staffing, area served, and funding. It notes a common set of problems, from practical ones such as animal stress and liability insurance, through…

Because density is unobservable and must be inferred from knowledge about weight and size, it is a difficult concept to teach and learn. Even after traditional instruction, many students still have an undifferentiated concept that mixes characteristics of both weight and density. In this study, researchers tested the effectiveness of a unit they…

This study identified and conceptualized evidence of ideas about the nature of science to which elementary school students are exposed and the manner in which teachers provided these ideas. This was accomplished by developing a scheme for observing/analyzing classroom interaction (classroom dialogue and science activity). The scheme is…

The seven working papers in this collection set out the underlying philosophy and research methods of the Learning in Science Project. The project was established in 1979 to identify, describe, and investigate problems and difficulties in the teaching and learning of forms 1-4 science, and to explore possible solutions. The papers describe the…

This paper examines various aspects of teaching science to visually impaired students. It is based on the premise that students with visual impairments should acquire scientific literacy and should be encouraged to pursue science-related careers. It is not designed to make science teachers specialists but to increase their awareness to the unique…

The Minnesota Science Education Task Force initiated a state-wide survey in 1983 to assess the current status of science education in Minnesota schools. This process involved instrument revision, sample design, data collection, file preparation and analysis. Questionnaires were modified to obtain information on the role of science teachers, the…

Designed for grades K-4, this manual contains suggested teaching strategies for infusing consumer education into the academic areas of art, language arts, mathematics, science/health, and social studies. Each of the twenty to thirty learning activities provided for each of the academic areas is based on competencies related to one of four…

The papers presented in this fourth volume were presented especially for an international congress organized by the UNESCO and the International Union of Biological Sciences Commission for Education in Biology, in collaboration with the University of Uppsala, in Sweden, September 1975. Eleven papers covering recommended areas of biology education…