The purpose of this study is to examine a limited number of variables that have been documented in the literature as influential factors for women science majors and to determine which significantly influence undergraduate expectations to obtain science-related occupations. The results of this study indicate that several factors are worthy of…

Reports results of a survey of 0- (N=186) and A-level (N=277) chemistry students (before taking their examinations) and their teachers (N=40) to determine their perceptions of how difficult different topics were to learn or teach and to determine if ability, interest, and syllabus were related to perceived difficulty. (DC)

The books appearing in this bibliography were selected from books published in 1979, considered to be outstanding trade books for children. An annotation appears with each book and the appropriate grade level is given in parentheses. (Author/SA)

Lists 30 reminders for successfully communicating with students and nurturing their interest in science. Each reminder is accompanied by specific strategies for working with middle school students. (DDR)

Investigated was the effect of the Scientist in Residence Program to inspire elementary school children with their personal enthusiasm for science. Describes changes in the students' image of scientists using the Draw-a-Scientist Test before and after the program. Discusses the results of written responses and feedback from scientists. (YP)

Discusses a survey sent to 10,000 members by Sigma Xi, the scientific honor society, on the topics of scientific, political, and social issues. Finds most U.S. scientists disagree with the nation's science funding policy, find their careers fulfilling, and mirror the U.S. public's social and political views. (MVL)

Reported are two studies considering factors affecting students' attitudes to science by using television programs. Describes the results on students' attitudes by sex and grades. Hypothesized that the use of space programs and other fantastic aspects of science could improve the attitudes of children towards science. (Author/YP)

Reports on an investigation of a population of dandelions on a school lawn. Describes the objectives, rationale, study area, and the results of the study. Includes tables and graphs that show data collected. (RT)

Investigated were 17-year-old British students' comments on their previous science education. Satisfying science education entails (1) relevance, coherence and continuity; (2) concern for student needs; (3) and practical work such as inquiry activity. (YP)

Identifies communicators whom eighth-grade girls perceive as credible regarding reasons for taking elective physical science courses in high school. Finds that father, woman science teacher, mother, and boy high school student are ranked highly. Attributes associated with the communicators were classified as prestige, trustworthiness, similarity,…

Discussed are links between hospitals and local schools. Some aspects of the links, such as a medical physics convention, collaboration with teachers, work experience for students, and experimental projects are described. (YP)

Study compared two generations of seven high school chemistry texts (1970/1973) and current editions analyzed for gender fairness in illustrations and concrete analogies. Among conclusions was there were significant differences between the old textbooks and newer textbooks in relative frequencies of illustrations of men and woman and no…

Reports on a case study of meaningful science learning in two African-American female high school students. Finds that complex cultural factors that permit cognitive passivity, confidence-without-competence, and attention to behavior over learning contribute to cognitive disengagement and ultimately to the blocking of intentional, meaningful…

The study examines how social and cultural factors mediate the teaching and learning of science in an Australian high school. Grade 10 students, many of them new migrants, often transient and from circumstances of economic hardship, were taught a 5-week unit on chemistry by a teacher with social and cultural histories similar to those of most of…

Undergraduate students in an introductory-level geoscience course successfully designed and conducted a science badge day for the Junior Girl Scouts. With national concerns that girls turn away from science at a young age, a service-learning project was incorporated into a college course with the end result providing a group of girls a positive…