Learning astronomy involves significant spatial reasoning, such as learning to describe Earth-based phenomena and understanding space-based explanations for those phenomena as well as using the relevant size and scale information to interpret these frames of reference. This study examines daily celestial motion (DCM) as one case of how children…

This book examines learning science from multiple perspectives--especially a child's. The whimsical character of Mary Froggins guides readers through the steps of igniting students' natural sense of wonder, incorporating brain research, integrating science concepts with other subjects, and applying science to daily life. The authors demonstrate…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the 4MAT instructional system on achievement and attitudes in science. Fifty-four academically gifted sixth grade students in three schools in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro (North Carolina) City Schools were randomly assigned to two groups, a 4MAT group and a Restricted-Textbook group that…

Reports on a study intended to determine the science education research interests of elementary teachers and to examine the data according to certain demographic variables. Results indicate that hands-on experience, science content, cognitive development and learning styles, problem solving, and teaching strategies were the top five research…

"Elementary Science: Where are We Now?" is a review of Elementary Science Education from the 1960s to 1999. Curriculum moved from uniform programs in the 1960s based on two assumptions to a wide diversity of goals, philosophies, and types of materials in the 1970s. The two assumptions behind the elementary science curriculum programs of…

This document contains the abstracts of the presentations made at this conference. Topics of presentations included: (1) linking research and science teaching using community resources; (2) planning science teacher workshops; (3) school-related recycling programs; (4) improving student attitudes toward science; (5) rural science teaching; (6)…

Presented are abstracts and abstractors' analyses of 10 studies related to science instruction and 3 studies related to science curriculum. Analyses in the first section (instruction) are on studies of: the influence of instructional structure and focus of control on achievement; effects of individualized audio-tutorial and frontal…

Presents findings from a case study of one fifth grade student's efforts to construct meaning in her science class during a unit on light. Contends that students' efforts to construct meaning may suggest instructional approaches that guide learners to consider and grasp scientific explanations while still valuing their own insights and abilities…

Most of the papers and summaries of papers presented at the twelfth annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are presented. Topics addressed focus on various aspects of science curriculum and instruction, teacher education, student and teacher characteristics, and learning. Papers presented include, among others,…

The review of science education research for 1981 includes individual analyses of approximately 400 dissertation abstracts, journal articles, research reports, and papers presented at conferences. The organization of the review is topical. Topics include: (1) status studies of science education; (2) cognitive style; (3) Piagetian studies; (4)…