Within the field of science education, there remains little agreement as to the definition and characteristics of classroom inquiry. The emerging emphasis on scientific practices in science education reform discourse is underpinned by a need to better articulate the constituent elements of inquiry-based science. While a small number of…

The purpose of this article is to focus on the development and refinement of a science instructional design program arguing for the feasibility and usability of integrated reading and science instruction as implemented in third- and fourth-grade science classrooms to meet the learning needs of diverse learners. These instructional components are…

Studies on science course improvement projects are synthesized, with reactions from several professional organizations. Other reports from the mid-1980s are noted. A brief summary of research findings is provided, with a longer discussion on the impetus for change, the conditions needed for change, and who decides. (MNS)

Described is a series of two-day Elementary Science Awareness Conferences, funded by the National Science Foundation for science supervisors and general elementary supervisors in North Carolina. The goals for these conferences are discussed. (Author/DS)

Control group students (receiving descriptive, non-inquiry science) and experimental group students (using Science Curriculum Improvement Study-SCIS "Interaction and Systems" materials) were later combined in grade 4 for instruction with SCIS "Subsystems and Variables" materials. Results show similar difficulties in learning…

Studies the scientific curiosity and inquiry of 226 high school students from grades 10 to 12 who were studying the Israeli adaptation of the Biological Science Curriculum Studies (BSCS) program in eleven different schools representing city and Kibbutz Schools in Israel. (HM)

Summarizes the results from a questionnaire developed to reflect both local concerns and those of national studies in elementary science education in Kansas. The questionnaire included items concerning methods of science instruction, class time spent on science, teacher preparation, approach to metric system, science textual material, and…

Determines if elementary teachers' (N=138) understanding of SCIS concepts and teaching strategies change as a result of a televised inservice program using confidence levels as a criterion for understanding. Findings indicate that an inservice program consisting of televised sessions significantly improves teachers' understanding of SCIS concepts…

Notes that as the student progresses through school, science experiences hold a less positive view. Used are teacher interviews and classroom observations conducted to determine possible explanations. Points out that schools need to help students realize how much science affects their everyday lives. (MVL)

Summarizes findings of seven studies dealing with how teacher behavior affects student performance in activity-centered science classrooms at the elementary and junior high school levels. Concludes that activity-centered classrooms encourage student creativity in problem solving, student independence, and help low ability students overcome initial…

Discusses the need for curricular and instructional integration of science and mathematics. Describes some reports supporting integration and some curriculum projects that include integration. (YP)