Briefly reviews some of the main features of the research evidence and the latest data on student attitudes toward science. Argues that the recent introduction of an extension of compulsory science education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has not succeeded in changing the level of interest in science. (DDR)

A study of 60 successful males and females with reading disabilities found both genders developed high level literacy skills through avid reading of high interest texts, females were more likely to be discouraged from pursuing academic interests, and both genders were discouraged from pursuing mathematics and science. (Contains references.)…

Examines the point at which children develop negative attitudes toward science and whether the adoption of the National Curriculum in England and Wales has influenced student attitudes. Results indicate that although unpopular, students do not necessarily have negative attitudes toward science. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

In America's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science, a National Research Council (NRC) committee found that labs have the potential to help students master science subject matter, develop scientific reasoning skills, increase interest in science, and achieve other important science learning goals. High school graduates who attain these…

In this paper, we demonstrate that rapid cycling "Brassica rapa" (Wisconsin Fast Plants) can be used in inquiry-based, student ecological fieldwork. We are the first to describe age-specific survival for field-grown Fast Plants and identify life history traits associated with individual survival. This experiment can be adapted by educators as a…

A major goal of science education reform is to produce curricula that improve the learning of all students. In this study, the authors explore the use of design-based learning (DBL) to achieve this end. They examined two middle school science classes taught by a teacher who switched for the first time from a standard, scripted inquiry approach to…

This paper discusses changes related to students that will occur during the next two decades and how they will affect science teacher's considerations of what and how to teach biology. Statistical data are presented for racial/ethnic groups. Some variables influencing the choice of a biology career are reviewed. Hands-on activities, inquiry, and…

Reported is a study to develop and test an instrument designed to measure the scientific curiosity and science interests of elementary school students. The inventory was administered to 545 students, grades six through nine, in Columbus, Ohio and 1,050 students, grades six and eight, in Portland, Oregon. Total test-retest reliability of the major…

Reported is the development of an attitude instrument based upon a grid of key statements about science and scientists and the use of the instrument to determine the attitudes of 981 sixth- and ninth-grade students (male and female) from rural, urban and suburban communities. The instrument consisted of statements about science and scientists…

An informal look at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie-Mellon University. Included are discussions of the general atmosphere and departmental research interests. (BB)

Reports a study of the cognitive preferences of 599 tenth grade students in physics, chemistry, and biology and the effects of sex and school type on outcomes. Findings indicate cognitive preference was the same for all three sciences, sex is not significant, and school type affects curiosity and utility outcomes. (SL)

Describes a secondary level program which offers science as an elective program based primarily on student interest. (SL)

Suggests ways of and reasons for making high school biology courses more exciting and relevant to students. (MR)