Research has revealed that a small percentage of weekly instructional time in the elementary grades is dedicated to teaching science. Additionally, elementary educators receive limited preparation to teach science concepts compared to math or literacy skills. Therefore, this study examined if utilizing poetry to teach science concepts had a…

Research evidence suggests that summer breaks contribute to income-based achievement and opportunity gaps for children and youth. However, summertime can also be used to provide programs that support an array of goals for children and youth, including improved academic achievement, physical health, mental health, social and emotional well-being,…

Animated pedagogical agents (APAs) have the potential to provide one-on-one, just-in-time instruction, guidance or mentoring in classrooms where such individualized human interactions may be infeasible. Much current APA research focuses on a wide range of design variables tested with small samples or in laboratory settings, while overlooking…

Reports results of a study which focused on the techniques used and the time devoted to teaching about human genetics and biosocial concerns by teachers who participated in National Science Foundation workshops at Ball State University. Participants incorporated human topics and used outside speakers more than the control group. (ML)

In 1998, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) launched an ambitious effort to create on-line science courses for K-12 educators that would immerse them in exciting science topics and give them access to the Museum's scientific resources (scientists, research, expeditions, collections, and exhibitions). This project, called Seminars on…

Reports on Japanese science education from observations made of one school and one teacher. Compares the school to an American suburban "prep" high school with well-disciplined students. States that the reason students learn is because the Japanese consider education to be extremely important. (RT)

Reports on program effectiveness for the Teacher Internship Program for Science (TIPS), a museum-school partnership. Survey results show that significantly more TIPS teachers involved their students in various science instruction activities, and TIPS teachers rated their students higher in interest in and understanding of science. (LZ)

Reports on 18 months of action research that examined the effectiveness of using the history of science to promote British students' understanding of the nature of science. Both quantitative and interview data offer substantial evidence of a strategic movement away from serendipitous empiricism and toward an appreciation of the interactive nature…

This guide provides information on conducting a detailed program analysis using the New York State Program Evaluation Test in Science. The test consists of two required components (Objective Test and Manipulative Skills Test) and five optional components (Student Science Attitudes Survey; Student Science Program Environment Survey; Administrator…

Two Oregon science education programs are described following an introduction that discusses underlying problems in science education and approaches taken by exemplary practices. Exemplary practices involve the process method of instruction, teacher training, utilization of science resources outside the school, and instruction that emphasizes the…

Tested the effectiveness of a program designed to teach children how to conduct and interpret a controlled experiment. Results indicate that the ability to control variables can be taught using the program (which consists of activities related to designing, building, and launching model rockets). (JN)

Offers a rationale for collegewide writing across the curriculum (WAC) approaches. Assesses the effectiveness of a WAC project at Medgar Evers College involving two courses (computer science and chemistry). Reports improvement in students' ability to summarize an article's content and writing fluency. Includes writing assignment instructions and…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

This three-part yearbook begins with a characterization of science education practices based on extensive national studies conducted during the period 1977 to 1983 and a discussion of several efforts which address the current crisis in science education. The second part consists of essays focusing on practical, program, and on political and policy…

Proposes resolutions about the relationship between a short course on science instruction and specific changes in teaching strategy. Identifies teachers' existing knowledge base as an important factor for the examination of new pedagogical ideas. Suggests that loyalty and demonstration provide a mechanism by which teachers may enhance their…