This paper reviews meta-analysis procedures and several meta-analysis findings related to science teachings. Several generalizations are offered, one which indicates that instructional techniques which help students focus on learning (preinstructional strategies, increased structure in verbal content of materials, use of concrete objects) are…

Research on the usefulness of calculators in mathematics instruction is cited, and some activities using calculators to develop skills with reading numbers, counting, basic facts, multiplication and division, problem solving, estimation, percentages, decimals, patterns, probability, and games are described. (MNS)

In a survey conducted in Iowa, 136 teachers responded to a 52-item questionnaire to evaluate energy education workshops they attended, identify beliefs and practices concerning energy education, and identify perceived knowledge needed in energy education. Materials to create more student involvement in lessons was the top-rated need. (MNS)

Investigated were the effects of computer-assisted instruction and computer programing instruction on the feelings and knowledge students have about computers. For the 72 high-ability fifth-grade students participating, both treatments improved computer literacy in the affective domain, but only CAI improved it in the cognitive domain. (MNS)

This article brings together the principles of designing Likert attitude scales and demonstrates the procedure through the development of a chemistry attitude scale. Design procedures and validity and reliability of the scale are each discussed, with a data summary for the 20-item chemistry scale. (MNS)

Misconceptions of volume and surface area were identified for 125 preservice elementary teachers enrolled in a freshman basic skills science course, and interviews were conducted with eight students. A large percentage did not understand the concepts of volume and were unable to distinguish volume from surface area. (MNS)

Suggests activities which provide students with opportunities to give meanings to symbols and to find reasons for doing computations. Includes investigations with a pendulum, circular running track, salary increases, and container volume. Indicates that teachers should place less emphasis on drill and manipulation to give meaning to abstract…

Defies the assumption that laboratory teaching skills are gained by preservice secondary science education majors through their undergraduate science programs, and presents expertise areas which every teacher should possess. Outlines activities for each skill which can become part of a methods course under the direction of science educators. (DH)

Provides results from a 1983 survey of secondary mathematics education in Wisconsin. Questions refer to graduation requirements, curriculum topics, nature of geometry classes, metric system, computers, and calculators. Items also collected data on district mathematics committees, policies, competency exams, computer access, and the nature of…

Describes changes in teacher attitudes after completion of an inservice energy education workshop. Although there was a decrease in favorable attitudes towards curricular change, there was a modest, positive effect on participants (N=132) which should help to promote energy education. (DH)

Examines principles which can be applied to determine how hints can be used effectively in problem-solving. Conscious and unconscious hints, timing of hints, expected functions, and teaching are discussed. Conscious hints are explained in detail with suggestions and references. Charts are included for types, timing, and expected functions. (DH)

Discusses problems related to defining environmental education (EE), examining historical attempts to define EE and EE's forerunners and/or concurrent companions (including resource-use, progressive resource management, and population education). Indicates that although unanimity of agreement results from problems of communication and "turf…

Examines issues and developments surrounding early National Science Foundation (NSF) curriculum projects, providing a conceptual basis for understanding present science education issues on re-education of teachers and redesigning science curricula. The scientific community had great control on the NSF projects but did not consider new…

Discusses procedures used throughout history to solve fractional and decimal divisor problems. Early rules and definitions, approaches in mathematics and methods books, "new math" approaches, research findings, and recent textbook procedures are included. Concludes by presenting nine recommendations for teaching the operation. (DH)

Use of calculators for teaching percent to first-year general mathematics students is explained by addressing such areas as sequence of lessons, teaching/learning problems, calculator errors, and recommended instructional strategies. Teaching concepts independent of calculator usage, not using special percentage keys, and initiating estimation as…