Discusses alternative perspectives on nature of knowledge and psychological development, relating these to science instruction. Indicates that significant learning occurs if facts have personal relevance, suggesting that a cultural transmission approach to teaching/knowledge dominates science education which neglects the role of students' personal…

Assessed Nussbaum's developmental model (SE 024 045) using a new sample given no special instructions in spherical earth/gravity concepts. Also identified distribution of notions among students (N=159 in grades three to eight), compared distribution of notions at each age level with those in other studies, and explored role of individual…

Discusses five instructional strategies for increasing the meaningfulness of technical or scientific information. These include organization of prose, use of concrete analogies as advance organizers, use of inserted questions in prose, elaboration activities such as note-taking and discovery learning. (JN)

Replicated a study to determine if a sex difference in spatial visualization ability exists among grade six students verging on adolescence and if instruction differentially affects boys/girls at this age. Although instruction significantly affected boys/girls in grades seven to eight, current results do not support the same interaction among…

Examined relation between college students' (N=108) ability to solve simple ratio tasks (for example, their proportional reasoning patterns) and their rule-governed behavior with the balance beam. Also identified modifications in a set of rules for the balance beam tasks. Results and implications for science instruction are discussed. (JN)

"Draw-A-Scientist Test" was administered to 4807 students (grades K-5) to determine age when children first develop distinct images of scientists. Also examined influence of population variables (socio-economic class, intelligence, sex, Anglophone/Francophone culture) on formation of the image and stereotype variations which may indicate early…

Validity of using time and behavior as predictors of learning was tested by collecting detailed visitor behavior and time expenditure while interacting with a participatory museum exhibit. Data from 12- and 13-year-olds (N=63: 32 males, 31 females) support the feasibility of using these predictors. Learning was measured using a 14-item test.…

Results of a previous study indicated no difference in preservice teacher attitude/achievement using lecture/inquiry approaches. This study was replicated, also examining effects of sex and students' (N=471) previous science training. Although results for science understanding were not significant, analysis of attitude change indicates that…

Analyzes the role expectancy of the science supervisor in North Carolina public school systems as perceived by superintendents, principals, elementary teachers, secondary science teachers, college science educators and supervisors themselves. Also delineates the role function of the science supervisor based on the findings in the literature. (ML)

Describes a survey which was designed to obtain information on acid rain education. Reviews results pertaining to instructional time, instructional topics, use of labs from a common resource guide, and preference of materials related to acid rain education. (ML)

Discusses a study which sought to determine which form of district-level science coordination is perceived to be most satisfactory by science teachers of British Columbia. Presents survey results which support the need for a science coordinator. (ML)

Reviews efforts in identifying a common set of environmental education objectives through the Delphi Technique. Includes the rankings and frequencies for ten selected objectives that was agreed upon by special interest groups and experts in environmental education. (ML)

Examines the utility of the ancient Chinese concept of Tai-chi as a model for interpreting complex contemporary issues in science education. Describes the model and suggests how it can be useful in understanding scientific phenomena and in guiding instruction. (ML)

Discusses the major crisis points in science education and reviews findings from the major science studies of the 1980's. Contends that cooperative efforts of elementary, secondary, college, university and scientific communities are needed to resolve the crisis. (ML)

Provides a framework for examining science teaching and outlines what is known about science teachers and the environment in which they work. Addresses how science teacher quality is defined and how quality standards are set and enforced. Discusses teacher demand and supply issues. (ML)