Results of 11 studies of classroom practices used with activity-based elementary science programs were combined quantitatively using a composite category system. One finding reported is that teachers trained in program use spent less time talking and more on activities than untrained teachers using the programs. (Author/JM)

Examined interactive effects of direction source (teacher, student, or group direction), allocated time, reading ability, and study orientation on student achievement (N=1108) on three Individualized Science Instructional System (ISIS) minicourses. Results (among others) indicate superiority of student-directed approach over teacher/group-directed…

Compared performance on Piagetian tasks to determine differences between students (N=52): (1) external subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access, and between internal subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access. Indicates access to manipulatives benefits those exhibiting externality with respect to…

GEO-Study, an NSF-sponsored study, conducted by the American Geological Institute (1962-64) to examine the educational environment of 44 geology departments, initiating a change in United States geological education. Discusses the early years of development and study (emphasizing undergraduate geological education) and the last 10 years during…

Reviews biology education from 1950 to the present and highlights major assessments of past efforts and current needs (emphasizing "critical elements" in biology curriculum/instruction noted in "Project Synthesis"). The historical perspective and data provided by the assessments are used to seek solutions for the remaining…

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…

Describes a collection of college chemistry demonstrations designed for self-paced classes. Some of these exercises stem from original ideas; others are adaptations of one or more published demonstrations. Two exercises, as examples, are also included. (HM)

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)

The African Primary Science Programme (APSP) was one of the three major projects in Africa sponsored by Educational Services Incorporated (ESI), later the Educational Development Center (EDC), Newton, Massachusetts. The problems of introducing this programme in the anglophone African States and its implications for science education are discussed.…

This guide provides information on conducting a detailed program analysis using the New York State Program Evaluation Test in Science. The test consists of two required components (Objective Test and Manipulative Skills Test) and five optional components (Student Science Attitudes Survey; Student Science Program Environment Survey; Administrator…

This package includes compaction plans, enrichment opportunities designed to be substituted for the basic science curriculum already mastered, and extensive bibliographies of materials and books for gifted students in the Orono (Minnesota) school district. The project focused on training seven science teachers for cluster teaching of students…

Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP) modules were designed to: (1) provide students with the methods and results of continuing investigations into the composition, history, and processes of the earth's crust and the application of this knowledge to man's activities and (2) to be used by teachers with little or no previous background in the…

Suggested are methods for the collection of field evidence about processes that form plutonic and metamorphic rock. Description and discussion of these types of rocks are provided. The planning and execution of a successful field trip is discussed. Advanced field projects are also discussed. Included are five appendices, references, and a…

Overviews the "Nuffield Coordinated Sciences" program. Discusses the aim, coordination of content, presentation, and the writing timetable. (YP)

Discusses a course proposal which concentrates on fewer topics and covering the topics in greater depth. Proposes a sequence in which each topic is introduced phenomenologically, the theory is developed, and the applications are discussed. Uses optics as an example. Lists some disadvantages and advantages of the proposed topical organization. (YP)