Investigates whether information about new National Science Foundation sponsored elementary science curricula was not being effectively communicated to the appropriate persons, thus hindering the selection and adoption of those curricula. (GA)

Presents task analysis of the laboratory inquiries of the BSCS Yellow Version. Three important deficiencies are identified: (1) Students do not identify and formulate problems; (2) Students get little chance to conduct investigations; and (3) Post-laboratory discussions are not indicated. (MA)

Reports a significant correlation between environmental knowledge and environmental attitude, and significant differences between BSCS (Biology Sciences Curriculum Study) and nonbiology students' ecology comprehension and environmental attitudes. (CP)

Investigates the relationship between science interest and process achievement for seventh, eighth and ninth graders. Results reveal that: (1) science interests are significant predictors of process achievement for only ninth-graders; and (2) science interest scores decrease significantly from pre to posttest across grade levels. (HM)

Investigates the effect of The Individualized Science (IS) program on sixth and eighth graders' perception of locus of control. Findings suggest that the structure of the environment can affect the perception of locus of control. (HM)

Four types of proportionality problems were administered to: (1) secondary school students who were enrolled in Project Physics, and (2) students not enrolled in physics. Both samples were randomly selected. Groups were not found to differ significantly in problem solving ability but both revealed that the ability to solve certain problems was…

Reports on the development and use of an open-ended assessment instrument to determine elementary school teachers' reasons for not teaching science. These reasons were hypothesized to be related to Katz's functions: (1) utilitarian; (2) knowledge; (3) value-expressive; and (4) ego-defensive. In the sample of 449 teachers, 20 per cent of the sample…

Provides a detailed description of the three-year Foundational Approaches in Science Education curriculum developed at the University of Hawaii. The program utilizes a spiral approach with topics in ecology, physical science and relational study. Sample units and implementation suggestions are provided. (CP)

Control group students (receiving descriptive, non-inquiry science) and experimental group students (using Science Curriculum Improvement Study-SCIS "Interaction and Systems" materials) were later combined in grade 4 for instruction with SCIS "Subsystems and Variables" materials. Results show similar difficulties in learning…

Reports on the development of science curricula projects. Lists features that can be applied to programs developed at the local level. Includes programs from the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, Educational Development Center, and Technical Education Research Centers. (RT)

Determined coverage given to 44 topics related to the study of evolution in 105 high school biology textbooks published between 1900 and 1983. Considers trends in popular and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) textbooks, coverage of evolution in first editions, coverage of creationism, chapter titles and placement, and other areas. (JN)

Describes the development of the Nuffield chemistry curriculum materials by chemistry teachers and how these materials were received and used by a much larger and representative group of the profession. Includes comments on teaching Nuffield chemistry, the Nuffield examination, and on Nuffield chemistry outside of Great Britain. (JN)

Describes exhibits, invited talks, discussions, and references of a Conference on Demonstrations for Classroom Use in Astronomy,'' and informs of the establishment of a Task Group on Education in Astronomy designed for the purpose of providing a focus for both college and high school teachers. (CC)

Highlights a quantitative synthesis of research studies on Elementary Science Study, Science Curriculum Improvement Study, and Science A Process Approach, focusing on student performance/achievement, attitudes, process skills, and basic skills. Suggests that activities and instructional strategies from the programs be incorporated into existing…

Presents excerpts of an interview with Philip Morrison, Institute Professor of Physics at M.I.T., who has made significant contributions to areas ranging from high-energy astrophysics to elementary school science education. (Author/SK)