The Mechanical Engineering Section at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has developed a comprehensive activity based course to introduce second year students to mechanical engineering design. The culminating design activity for the course requires students to design, construct and test robotic devices that complete engineering challenges. Teams of…

This testimony, supported by data from several national surveys, was presented by Sarah E. Klein (president of the National Science Teachers Association) regarding the elimination of science education from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Issues and topics addressed include: (1) statement of the crisis in science/mathematics education,…

This issue of "Investigations in Science Education" (ISE) provides analytical abstracts, prepared by science educators, of research reports in the areas of preservice and in-service teacher education for elementary and secondary science teachers; and in cognitive development of elementary and secondary school children. Each abstract…

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE RESEARCH STUDIES ARE CATEGORIZED AND DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOKLET DESIGNED FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND CURRICULUM WORKERS. ALTHOUGH MAJOR EMPHASIS OF THE REVIEW IS ON STUDIES PUBLISHED DURING THE 1960'S, OLDER STUDIES OF MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE ARE INCLUDED. A MAJORITY OF THE REVIEWS IS BASED ON REPORTS THAT APPEARED AS JOURNAL…

In recent years educators and educational researchers in the U.S. have begun to introduce engineering design activities in secondary science classrooms for the purpose of scaffolding science learning as well as supporting such general problem-solving skills as decision making and working in teams. However, such curricula risk perpetuating a…

Examines the relative effectiveness of two different chemistry curricula. African American students enrolled in an inner-city high school who took ChemCom, a Science-Technology-Society-based science curriculum employing cooperative learning as an integral component, scored significantly higher gains on a standardized measure of chemistry…

Recent criticisms of science education in the United States led to a unique experience in the Conroe Independent School District in Texas. An evaluation committee of local professional and eminent scientists was established by the local superintendent to review and evaluate the adequacy of (1) the scope and sequence of science courses; (2)…

There are ways in which elementary teachers in general and rural elementary teachers in particular can overcome inadequate science preparation and can upgrade the science program resources of their small schools. Parents and children should be involved in obtaining free and inexpensive science-related materials throughout the year. These can be…

This manual serves as a resource for Design Labs in the Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) program. A Design Lab is not a customary "shop" where students receive training in woodworking, metalworking, and other crafts. Instead, when a construction need arises during USMES units, a Design Lab becomes the…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to change their classroom to make it a better place to live and study. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to determine the best information to use to quickly and easily identify an individual. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to find ways to improve or organize a Design Lab. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The Teacher Resource Book…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to grow plants and to determine some purpose for their use (transplanting, selling, gifts). The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to develop an outdoor area to help others appreciate nature. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The Teacher…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to find good ways to protect property (property in desks or lockers; animals; bicycles; tools). The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school…