The 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education project has identified 12 exemplary programs in elementary school science. Descriptions of the programs and the criteria used in their selection are presented. Chapter 1 reviews four goal clusters (developed during Project Synthesis) related to the desired state in elementary school science.…

Research findings are reported concerning the extent to which writing assignments in contrasting examples of upper elementary science curriculum materials are likely to engage students in higher order thinking and problem solving, and to facilitate meaningful learning of scientific concepts. Organized around a common set of elaborate framing…

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in Physics was analyzed as a specific indicator of learning outcomes in that undergraduate major. Textbooks were selected as a measure of curriculum content. A representative sample of colleges and universities (n=59) responded to questions about physics courses and textbooks and the existence of a graduate…

This study determined the status of marine education inclusion into K-12 lessons in North Carolina and reflected some inservice parameters. Analysis of a statewide, K-12 survey indicated: (1) 86% of the teachers responding taught some marine concepts in their classes; (2) the criteria for accessing information differed significantly among primary,…

This paper discusses the implications of Piaget's theory to science education. The first section of the paper, "What Science Teachers Need To Know: Scientific Knowledge and Its Source," describes three sources of students' knowledge and corresponding educational practices. The second section, "Functions of Intelligence," discusses the concept of…

The Atlantic Science Curriculum Project was launched in 1976 at the Atlantic Institute of Education in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, as a regional initiative. This account of the project provides its aims, its experience, and its lessons for others similarly engaged in the task of improving curriculum and instruction. This paper was written at a…

This directory lists institutions, state-by-state, that are conducting student science training programs in 1988. The directory is intended to help interested students find programs which will contribute to their academic development. Student science training programs are designed to provide talented high school students with educational…

Abstracts of most of the papers, symposia, and poster sessions presented at the 59th conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) are provided. Subject areas addressed include: instructional practices in secondary school science; research on computers in science learning; teacher's professional knowledge and…

Since the early sixties, general/introductory biology courses have evolved as a consequence of a multitude of forces which have been changing the face of our society. These forces are, in turn, consequences of a much greater phenomenon, the Scientific Revolution. Shortages of scientific personnel and the national fervor generated by the space…

This publication provides supplemental information which can be used by the teacher to accompany each unit in the Regents Biology Syllabus. Each unit of the supplement addresses topics and understandings in the corresponding unit of the syllabus. These units are: (1) unity and diversity among living things; (2) maintenance in living things; (3)…

This document consists of: (1) an introduction; (2) the first and last chapters of Harold Dunkel's manuscript titled "Writ in Water: The Epitaph of Educational Innovation"; (3) an invited address (presented at a session sponsored by an American Educational Research Association Special Interest Group on the Creation and Utilization of Curriculum…

Empirical findings concerning the consequences of curriculum tracking are presented. The relationship of curriculum tracking to changes in cognitive performance over a 2-year period among 3932 high school students is examined, using multiple regression analysis. The results show that curriculum placement is related to courses taken, and through…

Examines the major characteristics of the proposed second generation of science curricula for secondary schools, outlines the qualities, competencies, and teaching strategies of the "curriculum-proof" teacher, and makes suggestions for future pre-service and in-service teacher training programs. (JR)

Describes the development, philosophy, and science offerings of the junior high and middle schools of the United States, and examines new directions emerging for science education in these schools during the next decade. (JR)

This instructional unit contains a set of nine lessons on energy for grade one. Each lesson contains complete teacher and student materials. Reading skills and language experiences are reinforced in each activity. The lessons cover such topics as energy from food, energy from the sun, fossil fuels, the wind, moving water, and energy conservation.…