Results from meta-analysis of studies on student attitudes toward science are discussed. Includes description of meta-analysis techniques, discussion of attitudes toward science (with a proposed definition), a theoretical framework for studying attitudes which provides a structure for synthesis studies, and recommendations, including those related…

The degree of self-expressed student interest in a variety of specific science topics was investigated, and changes in these interests across grade levels were determined. Data were collected from 13,401 students in grades 1-8 in 12 school systems in ten states. (HM)

Critiques the Kahn and Gelso (1997) and Kahn and Scott (1997) articles (both in this issue) based on the author's experience as an advisor to graduate students in counseling psychology. Discusses factors that influence the career choices of counseling psychology doctoral students. Presents alternative criteria for evaluating research productivity…

Determined if student's perceptions of their classroom psychosocial environments were related to their knowledge of energy concepts and their attitudes toward energy. Reported grade level differences in the relationships. Found that the most relevant factors appeared to be competitiveness for the seventh graders and cohesiveness for the fourth…

Describes a lesson in which the life-cycle of an insect is studied. Provides information on the purchase and care of the animal and directions for student observations. Questions and activities are included. (RT)

Discusses the drive to raise science and engineering education's funding in the NSF budget from 9 percent to 20 percent. Notes that the target is $600 million per year. (MVL)

This article offers a review of the major literature about attitudes to science and its implications over the past 20 years. It argues that the continuing decline in numbers choosing to study science at the point of choice requires a research focus on students' attitudes to science if the nature of the problem is to be understood and remediated.…

This brochure, one in a series of four, is designed to assist people working in schools and in the community as they work together to encourage girls in mathematics, science, and engineering. Six sections discuss the reasons for and ways to work together to make changes. The first section describes what special programs can offer schools, and…

A significant alternative to the traditional text-based approach to elementary science has been represented by the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). Although the literature documents the process of the investigative approach, greater utilization of available programs and support from teachers are not evidenced. This investigation was…

The purpose of this project was to find and make clarifications about the uniqueness and similarities on various aspects of science education programs in Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, and the Philippines that could provide the basic considerations on curriculum development. Included are: (1) an introduction to the research; (2)…

This unit includes six lessons on plants for first graders. It provides a material list for 30 students, book list, unit introductions, schedules, and background information for teachers including evaluation and problem areas. Lessons include: (1) "Living and Non-Living Things"; (2) "Seeds and Other Things"; (3) "Sowing…

This review presents a broad picture of science education research during 1977 and discusses how this research relates to the past and how it can be of use to teachers. The review is organized in four sections. The Overview is a presentation and discussion of research dealing with the philosophy of science education, its goals, objectives and…

Science education should be effective as "Science for All" but the science curriculums introduced in the 1960s and 1970s were inadequate and only served a science "elite" while teaching the majority of students that science was not for them. Science must be reexamined and curriculum developers should emphasize exciting examples and everyday…

This book provides a full framework for integrating science and literacy. It shows how tapping into children's interest in science can help them develop key literacy skills and strategies as they explore the world around them. Examples of integrated science units include hands-on instructions and reproducible materials for learning activities that…

Nevada schools developed a high school science curricula based on technology and student-centered learning which guides students in researching and designing multimedia projects. Despite a lack of technology and computer experience, student creativity and interest increased, and performance and work habits improved. New techniques for measuring…