Describes project that tried to access "hard-to-reach" rural K-8 teachers for inservice science education. Program involved teachers teaching teachers and training sessions for principals. Authors conclude from a pretest/posttest that project helped teachers develop increased confidence in their teaching, yet did not significantly impact their…

Designed to serve as a means of communication among life science educators who anticipate or are currently using microcomputers as an educational tool, these four volumes of newsletters provide background information and practical suggestions on computer use in over 80 articles. Topic areas include: (1) teaching physiology and other life sciences…

Designed to serve as a means of communication among life science educators who anticipate or are currently using microcomputers as an educational tool, this volume of newsletters provides background information and practical suggestions on computer use. Over 80 articles are included. Topic areas include: (1) using a personal computer in a plant…

A general systems approach to education is proposed. A general system is thought of not so much as a body of doctrine, but as a way of looking at things which permits the perception of the world as a totality and fosters communication among the specialized disciplines. In social science education the comparative study of relatively stable cultures…

Since the great need in elementary education is to help children understand the social world in which they live, the great need in the education of elementary teachers is to help them link social science themes with children's experiences. The objectives of the new social science teacher education program are to develop the ability of prospective…

The purposes of this Newsletter are: to summarize the Consortium's recent experience with the Curriculum Materials Analysis System (CMAS); to report the activities of others using CMAS; and to describe available analyses of curriculum materials, including their prices. Most of the analyses were done by teachers and supervisors in work groups…

This paper probes the conditions of student life and the needs of identity, self-esteem, and sense of personal worth and potency which can affect the students' readiness for learning. A number of crucial factors interact with the teacher's efforts to provide learning opportunities and to stimulate interest in curriculum resources. In creating an…

Investigated the effects of direct experiences with sounds that vary in loudness and pitch contrasted with the effect of adding an instructional experience in which children (n=115 five- and six-year-old children) were involved in conversations and demonstrations about volume and pitch differences in sound. Concludes that experience coupled with…

By comparing pretests and posttests of elementary school teachers trained in the Full Option Science System, it is concluded that teachers showed gains in teacher confidence, science content knowledge, and attitude toward teaching science. (PR)

Results using 165 students show a greater difference on the Test of Integrated Process Skills occurred in the setting where cooperative learning and microcomputer-based laboratories were used. (PR)

Compares data on preservice and inservice primary/elementary teachers' attitudes toward science and science instruction. In addition, the attitudes of males and females were compared. (PR)

Reports on a case study in which students identify their diverse views on electric current and design a critical test to discriminate amongst those views. Employs a two-part model that differentiates charge from the agent causing it to move. Contains 43 references. (DDR)

Explores the potential of the RAY learning environment in improving learning about optics. Results indicate that this environment, which includes a flexible ray-tracing simulation, had a significant effect on the spontaneous and correct use of the model by students in solving problems and a limited effect on conceptual understanding, but promoted…

Explores the accessibility, use, and perceived needs toward computing technologies of elementary and secondary science teachers in two large rural school districts. Data analysis indicates significant differences in many areas between elementary and secondary teachers' responses. Discusses implications for science teacher education and research…

Investigates the effect of Pen-Point and Powerbook computers on solving a multiple-step chemistry problem among white, Afro-American, and Hispanic students. Results suggest that the Pen-Point computer has a more positive effect on the problem- solving performance and attitude of students towards computers than the Powerbook computer. Contains 14…