Many educators advocate the use of projects in the science classroom. This document describes an effort (LabNet) that has successfully implemented a program that allows students to learn science using projects. Chapter 1, "An Introduction to LabNet" (Richard Ruopp, Megham Pfister), provides an initial framework for understanding the…

Science is often the stepchild among elementary school subjects-- something less than basic but not quite elective. This handbook encourages elementary school principals to begin thinking about science as a fourth "R" in their school's curriculum, a subject that teaches basic skills while enhancing those learned in other curricular…

Reports on the development of science curricula projects. Lists features that can be applied to programs developed at the local level. Includes programs from the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, Educational Development Center, and Technical Education Research Centers. (RT)

This curriculum guide provides: (1) information on the philosophy of the elementary school science program in Alberta; (2) a list of eight general objectives for science education; (3) 11 statements which identify the desirable characteristics of an elementary science program; (4) a discussion of inquiry in elementary science, considering process…

Provides evidence indicating that activity-based science programs substantially improve performance in science process/creativity; modestly increase performance on tests of logic, perception, language development, science content, and mathematics; modestly improve attitude toward science and science class; and have pronounced benefits for…

Reports on effectiveness of an elementary school science program comparing attitudes toward science of Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) students and teachers with those of students and teachers in non-SCIS classes. Students (N=456) indicate preference for SCIS process-approach science, and SCIS teachers (N=109) spend more time teaching…

The Alberta senior high school biology program consists of a core and elective components, both of which are mandatory for instruction. The core represents those skills, attitudes, and concepts required by all students throughout the province; the elective component allows for variety and flexibility in the choice of topics, with emphasis on…

This methods book is divided into 13 parts. The first 12 parts (each beginning with a list of performance objectives) focus on: understanding the nature of science and technology; reasons for teaching science to children; a short history of elementary science methods in the United States; the products of science; the processes of science;…

A quantitative synthesis of research findings on the effects of three major activity-based elementary science programs developed with National Science Foundation support was conducted. Controlled evaluation studies of the Elementary Science Study (ESS), Science-A Process Approach (SAPA), or The Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) were used…

Describes the changes and trends in elementary school science in Great Britain. Discusses the justification for the development of programs at the elementary school level and some of the essentials of good practice. Indicates some of the myths about elementary science and provides guidelines for progressing from elementary to secondary science.…

This curriculum guide, developed to establish statewide curriculum standards for the Louisiana Competency-based Education Program, encompasses those standards that must be included in the elementary school (kindergarten to grade 6) science program. It consists of: (1) a rationale for an effective elementary school science program; (2) a list and…

Provided are suggestions and recommendations for each item on the checklist, contained in Part A of the handbook, which was designed to help elementary school principals assess and improve science programs in their schools. Suggestions/recommendations, designed to make the checklist more meaningful and useful, are keyed by number and/or letter to…

This checklist is designed to help elementary school principals assess and improve science programs in their schools. The checklist is divided into four major sections, each dealing with an area that has an impact on these programs: (1) administrative aspects, considering the science curriculum plan, provisions for science in the budget,…

This project developed 46 units of science activities suitable for individual use outside of school by elementary school children (K-6) with supervision by an adult advisor. Focusing on the physical, biological, earth, and health sciences, experimental work, and science processes, the materials (obtained at home or in supermarkets) are designed to…