Preservice teachers in a bachelor of education (Primary and ECE) program were surveyed about their beliefs and attitudes toward mathematics and its teaching and learning, at the beginning of their first mathematics curriculum unit and again at the end of their second mathematics education unit, approximately 18 months later. Significant…

This study uses the context of the weather to explore the development of students' intuitive ideas of variation from pre-Grade 1 to Grade 9. Three aspects of understanding these intuitions associated with variation are explored in individual videotaped interviews with 73 students: explanations, suggestions of data, and graphing. The development of…

Control group students (receiving descriptive, non-inquiry science) and experimental group students (using Science Curriculum Improvement Study-SCIS "Interaction and Systems" materials) were later combined in grade 4 for instruction with SCIS "Subsystems and Variables" materials. Results show similar difficulties in learning…

The article considers the distinction between first- and second-generation science curriculum projects, and describes the first national curriculum developed in Australia, the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP). (MK)

Examined are tenth-grade Western Australian students' conceptual knowledge of gravity and the motion of the planets. Students were interviewed with seven cards, and a four-item diagnostic test based on the interview data on the first four cards was developed. A total of 113 students' responses to the test are summarized. (YP)

Responses of Australian students from grade 8 (n=53) and grade 9 (n=56) to questionnaires concerning health and fitness were correlated to locus of control. A significant negative correlation was found between student knowledge and the belief that health and fitness are controlled by chance. (Contains 14 references.) (MDH)

Interviews of (n=96) high school students from Canada, the United States, and Australia on their views of scientific facts, theories, and laws revealed two relatively vague views of the nature of science, with American students holding to a mechanistic, traditional scientific method. (15 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents an account of how mathematics and science educators at a Australian university combined to produce a Mathematics/Science Learning Cycle (MS Learning Cycle) to provide a consistent approach to teaching in these two subject areas. Discusses background information, outcomes of using the MS Learning Cycle in teacher preparation and in the…

Presents examples of integrated science, mathematics, and technology teaching in seventh- to ninth-grade classrooms. Several different forms of integration were found in 16 Western Australia schools including thematic, cross-curricular, technology-based projects and local community projects. Discusses several implementation issues including the…

Describes a conceptual typology of models to help teachers select models appropriate to the cognitive ability of their students. Presents an example of how the systematic presentation of analogical models enhanced an 11th-grade chemistry student's understanding of atoms and molecules. Makes recommendations for teachers. Contains 28 references.…

Reports selected findings from a study of number-sense proficiency in students aged 8 to 14 years in Australia, Sweden, the United States, and Taiwan. Comments on the meaning and importance of number sense, the development of the assessment instruments, and student responses to the items. Discusses some implications for classrooms. Contains 39…