This teaching guide supplements a science unit concerned with bud maturation recommended for use in fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms. The first section describes possible activities for children to explore, such as field study, collections, dissecting, and experiments. The second section offers a few brief suggestions for teaching the unit. The…

This is a report on a two-day conference, held at the University of Maryland in August of 1974, to examine the impact of the National Science Foundation (NSF) on science curriculum development in the United States. The conference covered the improvement of science teaching materials and instruction development as well as the overall…

Presented is the study of sequences of rock layers as the basis for historical geology. Also considered is the influence of rock layers on the appearance of the landscape. Specific relevant laws of geology are presented. Preparation for a field trip is discussed. An example field trip is discussed and field techniques and projects are reviewed.…

The causes for many of the colors exhibited by minerals are presented to students. Several theories of modern physics are introduced. The nature of light, the manner in which light interacts with matter, atomic theory, and crystal structure are all discussed in relation to the origin of color in minerals. Included are color pictures of many…

This guide provides the interested student with a wide range of astronomical investigations that require a minimum of equipment. Activities focus on analysis and understanding of numerous celestial events which are observable every day. The guide is intended to lead the amateur through initial steps in the understanding of some of the functions of…

Discussed are meteors from an historical and astronomical viewpoint; then presented is the chemical makeup of iron meteorites, stony meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. Age determination, moon craters, and tektites are also treated. The interested observer learns how to identify meteorites and to describe how they fall. (Author/RE)

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TRAVELING SCIENCE DEMONSTRATORS TO THE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF THE TEACHERS CONTACTED WERE STUDIED. TWO QUESTIONNAIRES WERE CONSTRUCTED TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM. A "TEACHER-VISITED" QUESTIONNAIRE WAS SENT TO 415 PERSONS VISITED BY A DEMONSTRATOR, AND A SECOND QUESTIONNAIRE WAS MAILED TO ELEVEN…

This study describes a workshop designed to improve elementary science instruction by encouraging teachers to discard the "spectator" mode of participation and become involved in a program designed to be compatible to the objectives and philosophy of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). A random sample of 224 teachers (the…

Presented is an environmental approach to elementary school science teaching. The inquiry approach is stressed and outdoor activities are integrated with classroom activities. A variety of curricular materials were developed to be used in conjunction with the New York State Elementary Science Curriculum. The project also provided workshops for…

Reported is a study to investigate problems handicapped readers had with the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) test and of a method for adapting the test so that it might be more understandable. Seven questions related to the 1968-1969 ISCS test Probing the Natural World, Volume I were studied. The investigations of these questions was…

This investigation was conducted to determine the validity of the use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) as a tool in formative curriculum evaluation. The instructional materials were selected from 1968 grade seven materials produced by the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS). The comparison of student performance within these…

Investigates students' achievement on a Science A Process Approach (SAPA) unit as related to the preparation and grade point average of their preservice teachers. Students of teachers who had participated in lesson strategy sessions achieved at a significantly greater level than did those students whose teachers were in the control (no treatment)…

Laboratory exercises from five chemistry curricula were examined to determine organization (integration of laboratory work with other parts of a course) and tasks required of students (assessed in terms of inquiry skills and behaviors required for the laboratory work). Implications and suggestions for instruction are included. (Author/JN)

Argues that naturalistic research is appropriate for studying science education. Stages of naturalistic research are explained and illustrated with material from NSF-sponsored Case Studies in Science Education. Problems in traditional research methods are presented as justification for inductive models or models based on multiple methods,…

Reviews physics curricula and instructional practices and materials (films, television, computers) at the secondary and college levels. Includes discussion of physics majors and teachers, examinations and testing, and the role of the National Science Foundation (NSF). (JN)