The Center for Mathematics and Science Education at Texas A&M University contracted with Region 4 Education Service Center (ESC) and a large, diverse school district to conduct a longitudinal study from 2005-2009. The state achievement test scores of 5th graders who were taught using a Grade 5 science textbook designed by Region 4 ESC were…

Development of a scientifically literate citizenry has become a national focus and highlights the need for K-12 students to develop a solid foundation of scientific reasoning abilities and an understanding of nature of science, along with appropriate content knowledge. This implies that teachers must also be competent in these areas; but…

Creativity continues to be an important goal for 21st century learning. However, teachers often have difficulties fostering creativity in their classrooms. Current creativity research suggests that the act of making can enhance the teaching of creativity. Hands-on engineering design lessons are ideal contexts for studying this effect. Through…

The author describes how case study methods were used to understand the intricacies of curriculum adoption in one school district and the context in which an adoption decision was made. As data collection and interpretation commenced, understanding of the perceptions of the district stakeholders of their process of curriculum adoption became an…

For decades the National Science Foundation has been funding the development of instructional materials whose design is based upon the recommendations of educational research. These recommendations include the idea that learning be sequenced and organized using an experiential learning cycle or an instructional model such as the Biological Science…

Describes inquiry as an instructional method from an historical perspective and discusses reasons why inquiry has rarely been successfully implemented in science classroom settings. Introduces an inquiry model, discusses coupled inquiry, and addresses the issues of control over content and curriculum. (YDS)

Describes learning requirements and assessment in Washington State. Explores teachers' perceptions of the Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and the relationship between standards and science instruction. (Contains 39 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explains the failing efforts in science education to develop scientifically literate students and argues that reforming science education requires changes throughout the system with clearly defined goals by schools and districts. Recommends professional development of teachers and administrators as the major key to education reform. (Contains 31…

Discusses the issues related to animal dissection and explains the alternative options to dissection like anatomical models or virtual dissections. (YDS)

Presents a study investigating the relationship between teachers' beliefs on the goals of contemporary science education and their teaching practices. (Contains 33 references.) (YDS)

Explains cultural differences and how they affect the meaning of curriculum for students. Discusses factors that affect the learning of mathematics and science for students living on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana and strategies for the development of a relevant curriculum through the integration of mathematics and science in a…

Discusses changes in education over the past 50 years and how curriculum and textbooks are affected by these changes. Identifies milestones in the history of education. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Argues that providing useful information in reducing the gap between policy and practice is the central issue in Science-Technology-Society (STS) education. Employs the use of telephone surveys to fully understand the status of STS education nationwide. The national survey shows a promising picture of STS implementation nationwide. Contains 21…

Presents the results of a study on preservice teachers' conceptions of an environmental scientist at work. The teachers (N=65) were participants in a two-week project that focused on integrating environmental science research into the science curriculum. (DDR)

Reports the results of a study on teacher use of community resources to provide background for program development. Focuses on the Hanford Education Consortium in Washington. Discusses the implications that the results of the study have for the ongoing design of a program for sharing community expertise with schools. (DDR)