The goal of this research was to determine if standardized science test scores in Tennessee show evidence of continuous improvement in student achievement. The data examined as part of this study display evidence of a performance dip in Grade 4 but show an overall increase in scores across grade levels. A discussion of Tennessee's value added…

This investigation was guided by the following research questions: (1) how do teachers' understandings of the nature of science influence classroom practice?; and (2) what factors facilitate or impede the influence of teachers' understandings on classroom practice? An in-depth, year long assessment of the classroom practices and goals of five…

This paper was originally developed for the workshop, the Secondary Science Education for Development, and examines the factors shaping educational policy in developing nations. Four sections include: (1) a discussion of two different approaches to the formation of science education policy; (2) an elaboration of the dimensions of the policy…

Technology permeates the lives of most Americans: voice mail, personal computers, and the ever-blinking VCR clock have become commonplace. In schools, it is creating educational opportunities at a dizzying pace and, within and beyond the classroom, it is providing unprecedented access to a universe of ideas and resources. As a next step, the…

This document presents a report from the Mathematics and Science Task Force. The Task Force held its initial meeting on January 27, 1999 to develop essential competencies in content knowledge and pedagogy in four areas: (1) elementary mathematics; (2) secondary mathematics; (3) elementary science; and (4) secondary science. Initially Task Force…

This guide offers teachers and after-school group leaders 12 fun and engaging activities. Activities feature lessons on trees, water, wind, the earth, food, and waste. The activities are designed to help children aged 5-8 become more aware of the natural environment and fundamental conservation principles. Titles of children's books are embedded…

The BrainLink project offers educational materials focusing on current neuroscience issues with the goal of promoting a deeper understanding of how the nervous system works and why the brain makes each individual special while conveying the excitement of "doing science" among upper elementary and middle school students. Project materials engage…

This article addresses what was learned through the National Computational Science Leadership Program about involving teachers in planning high quality units of instruction around computational science investigations. Two cohorts of roughly 25 teacher teams nationwide were given opportunities to develop "replacement units." The goal was to support…

These teaching guides are meant to supplement the eighth season (1997-98) of the PBS Series "Scientific American Frontiers". Episode 801 is entitled "Expedition Panama: Science at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute" and the teaching guide contains information and activities on the ultrasonic communication of bats,…

In this activity, students construct bird nests and birdhouses. Students research a bird of their choice in order to design a house that will meet that bird's specific needs. The activity works well in conjunction with a high school level woodshop class where students would partner up. This activity requires an 80-minute time period for…

This book provides guidance to teachers on the integration of inquiry into teaching, creating meaningful challenges, and opportunities to experience scientific methodology. The book is divided into three sections: (1) "Lighting the Fire: Getting Inquiry Under Way"; (2) "Tending the Fire: Sustaining Inquiry Throughout the Year"; and (3)…

This document presents an interdisciplinary course and workshop that aims to develop a better understanding of cooperative learning, interdisciplinary curriculum, and earthquakes among the participants. Students are encouraged to develop their own math and environmental education curriculum. An exercise on earthquakes and power law frequency are…

This paper presents a study that identifies the needs of environmental education and explores innovative teaching methods in the Northern Kentucky Region. The main focus of this paper is a needs assessment which was conducted by teachers to determine the priority of environmental education programs and the training needs of teachers. Results…

A huge investment in public funding, approximately 10 million dollars for the 2002 fiscal year, has been dedicated to the implementation of the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 (GK-12) program. In these GK-12 programs, graduate level scientists known as Graduate Teaching Fellows are placed in K-12 science…

This document is a survey designed to be completed by current students of Computer Information Science (CIS) in the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD), which consists of three community colleges: American River College, Cosumnes River College, and Sacramento City College. The students are asked about their educational goals and how…