This publication provides information and activities for identifying objects using the five senses and process skills including observing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data, inferring, and predicting. Lessons 1 through 3 deal with the identification of an unknown substance and the physical properties of powders. Lessons 4 through 6 are…

The aim of the Learning in Science Project is to: (1) investigate science teaching/learning at the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14); (2) identify some of the key difficulties in this subject area; and (3) find ways of overcoming such difficulties. The project is seen both as an evaluative and a research project in that it is concerned with…

The first working paper of the Learning in Science Project, "An Initial Framework," outlined what was then seen as the major aims of the project and suggested how these aims might be achieved by three phases of research: exploratory (to observe teaching/learning in Form 1 to 4 science classrooms and to identify difficulties perceived by…

An alternative teaching model has been proposed by the Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P). The model uses a six-step approach (outlined in an appendix) which fosters an environment in which children can ask questions about a situation, offer explanations, carry out investigations, and report their findings. This paper reports on the…

Two booklets were developed by the Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--to help teachers adopt an approach to primary science teaching which would enhance children's understanding of floating and sinking. Both booklets were designed to enable teachers to reconceptualize their teaching task from activity-driven, didactic teaching to…

The Prime Minister's Committee on Natural Science in Education in Great Britain reported in 1918 that "...in many schools more time is spent in laboratory work than the results obtained can justify." Seventy years later this conclusion can often still be drawn. This is particularly a problem in open distance education where laboratory practicals,…

Describes how a high school teacher successfuly organized, funded, and involved students and community members in an archaeological dig under the school's front lawn. (IW)

The Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--was designed to examine problems and difficulties in primary science and to explore ways of overcoming these problems. Early research led to a proposal that children's questions and explanations could form the basis of an alternative teaching approach. However, several issues were raised which…

The Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--developed a handbook for a unit on "floating and sinking". The handbook contains information about ideas children and scientists have about the topic and several investigations and projects designed to help teachers move children gradually from intuitive explanations toward those which…

Science programs provided for primary school have not always been successful. A major reason suggested is that some programs place demands on teachers which many teachers find difficult to meet and which give rise to concerns which restrict their development as teachers of science. Based on the work of the the Learning in Science Project…

This publication provides information and activities for teaching about vegetables and process skills including observing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data, inferring, measuring, and predicting. There are 12 lessons. Lessons 1 through 5 pertain to growing, rinsing, and observing sprouts. Lessons 6 and 8 through 11 deal with tasting…

This publication provides information and activities for teaching about insects and process skills including observing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data, inferring, measuring, and predicting. There are 13 lessons. Lessons 1 through 3 deal with insects, in general, and with moths and butterflies. Lessons 4 through 7 consist of…

This publication provides information and activities for teaching about seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touch and process skills, including observing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data, inferring, measuring, and predicting. There are 12 lessons. Lessons 1 and 2 deal with classification using sight. Lessons 3 and 4 cover a book…

Describes a science experiment in which the heartbeats of mammals can be counted and graphed as measurable data by the computer. Provides information on materials needed, pre-lab activity worksheet, and follow-up activities. (RT)

The first working paper of the Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--"Toward a Framework," outlined what was then seen (1982) as the major aim of the project and proposed a research plan that seemed capable of enabling the project to establish difficulties that teachers have teaching science, to identify difficulties children…