Notes that overcoming the language barriers that science presents is more difficult for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Identifies how teachers can ground their instruction and assessment in an understanding of the ways that students' educational backgrounds intersect with the content and language demands of science. Outlines…

Describes one successful secondary science model involving a child-centered plan of instruction that uses several nontest evaluation and documentation strategies to verify mastery of essential elements. (MS)

Considers (1) the intellectual development of a young child as described by J. Piaget, (2) the nature of science and realistic goals of science experiences, (3) curriculum suggestions, and (4) strategies for use of curricular materials with the young, gifted child. (FL)

Describes an eleventh-grade physics classroom in which lessons were structured cooperatively. Argues that a cooperative structure of lessons in a physics classroom provides a positive atmosphere in which debate, verbal play, and collegiality play central roles. (HB)

Argues that many of the pragmatic concepts set forth by John Dewey might be modified and used in science education. Explains how this can be done. (FL)

Presents a method of teaching science that employs two kinds of graphic organizers of information, the matrix and the branch-out strategies. Argues that these methods are particularly relevant for slower learners. Provides graphic examples. (HB)

Describes a unique field experience, an outgrowth of a partnership with Seton Hall University and The Liberty Science Center (New Jersey), that immerses K-12 teachers in innovative methods of learning and teaching science. Notes the program helps teachers gain firsthand experience, use interactive exhibits at a science center, and adopt the…

Study of 532 elementary and secondary school students that tested science anxiety suggests that females are more anxious about studying science than males at every grade level. Links among achievement, attitudes, and science anxiety appear to be strong and should give researchers a solid base upon which to build while enhancing the quality of the…

Eight years ago, a new senior interdisciplinary science course called "Oceans: Past and Present" for the McCallie School in Tennessee was designed. The idea stemmed from the combination of a physics teacher's desire for a course based on a summer program at sea and a writing center director/teacher's longing for the ocean from the…

Uses meta-analysis on teaching strategies research in science and finds that the so-called alternative science teaching strategies are more effective than traditional science teaching strategies. Shows that inquiry-oriented instruction characterizes the alternative strategies and distinguishes them from traditional science teaching strategies. (SR)

Describes how a learning strategies approach can enable learning disabled students in secondary schools to study effectively, using as an example the acquisition of specific information from reading a chapter in a science text. (JC)

Describes how senior-level, preservice teacher certification candidates in secondary science and social science methods classes work in teams to prepare instructional materials on a community-based issue (such as the effect of the deposition of arsenic in a creek and small city lake). Argues that such projects provide valuable learning experiences…

Recommends using academic learning time as the major factor in deciding whether and how to introduce the computer into the curriculum at any grade level or any subject. (JC)