Within the school library community, there have been persuasive calls for school librarians to contribute to science learning. We present a conceptual framework that links national standards of science education ("Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas," referred to as…

The purpose of this manuscript is twofold: First, the authors explore the nature of the learning in which their students engaged during a service-learning experience in efforts to understand the meanings of teaching and learning they constructed, and how the context of this experience interacted with their candidates' previously constructed…

This article summarizes the continuous latent trait IRT approach to skills diagnosis as particularized by a representative variety of continuous latent trait models using item response functions (IRFs). First, several basic IRT-based continuous latent trait approaches are presented in some detail. Then a brief summary of estimation, model…

US students continue to lag behind the rest of the world in science, technology, engineering, and math--taken together, STEM. Even as the US falls further and further behind other countries in these four critical academic areas, not everyone sees it as a crisis. Fortunately, there are those who do. One organization out front on the issue is,…

A summer project in which middle school teachers worked with scientists to increase their knowledge of current scientific developments is described. Teacher's logs and notebooks, research scientists' logs, and the education advisor's log were used to compile a multidimensional description of the project's evolution and outcomes. (KR)

Demonstrates how forensic science can be used as a framework for generating student interest and learning in chemistry and promoting critical thinking. The "Who Dunnit?" forensic science workshop was developed by undergraduate students and is one element of a two-week residential summer outreach program that seeks to develop interest in…

Discusses Georgia's Principles of Educating Teachers (POET), a statewide initiative designed to encourage middle level teacher education reform. Explores the context of middle level education in Georgia, POET's role as part of a broader reform effort called the Georgia Initiative in Mathematics and Science (GIMS), the two-phase statewide processes…

This descriptive narrative presents a university/school partnership that led to an inquiry-based approach to language arts instruction, resulting in increased opportunities for reflective teaching and learning, students' environmental awareness projects, the integration of science, and the individualization of instruction at the middle school…

An activity for use with the JASON project illustrating the factors which contribute to the instability of ships at sea is presented. The activities of the JASON project for the spring of 1990 are highlighted. Availability of materials and participating museums for the project are listed. (CW)

Presents the results of a descriptive case study of model programs for the preparation of middle school science and/or mathematics teachers funded by the National Science Foundation. Programs were analyzed for coherency and coordination of the experience for students, and appropriate and consistent modeling by the instructors. (LZ)

Describes the development and field-testing of Insight to Science, a science program for ages 11-13 developed by the Inner London Education Authority and published by Addison-Wesley. The program includes physical and life sciences and is intended as an introductory science experience. (CP)

This publication reports the results of a field study of middle school students using a unified science program, Interrelated Explorations in Science (IES). IES emphasizes the ideas, processes, and values common to all of science and utilizes independent study, gaming, dramatization, and values clarification activities to motivate students to…

Describes a Saturday science program (two 6-hour sessions) for middle school students. The aim of the program is to introduce intelligent and interested students to science as scientists do it, emphasizing fundamental manual and mental skills. Saturday sessions are taught by scientists at a local university. (Author/JN)

This information booklet contains the information necessary to administer the annual Department of Defense Dependent Schools Pacific Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) at the school level. It is intended to be used by teachers and administrators as they manage the JSHS program within their schools and by students as they conduct…

Describes a middle school science programs in which the administrative organization permits flexible scheduling, interdisciplinary team teaching, and individualized instruction. (JR)