Presents a review of research on the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS). Areas addressed include: (1) teacher education; (2) student cognitive and affective outcomes; (3) teacher and student facilitative characteristics and behaviors; and (4) ISCS instructional materials. (JN)

A study comparing cooperative and competitive learning approaches in science was conducted with 630 eighth-grade Nigerian students using five different treatments. Combinations of cooperation and competition were found to be the best methods of instruction. Procedural demands on teachers using these methods were relatively easy. (DH)

Determined how 430 eighth-grade students perceived science teaching as a career. One area investigated was the relationship between student ratings of science teaching as a career and such variables as sex, race, age, educational aspirations, and mother's/father's education and job type. (JN)

Reports on a comprehensive, longitudinal investigation examining influences on commitment to science and achievement in science among adolescent students (N=821). Findings show that science attitude and achievement motivation declined throughout the year, life science achievement increased, and differences in achievement motivation occurred…

Investigated attitudes toward lectures, self-concept, and locus of control of Egyptian middle school teachers with (N=40) and without (N=40) professional educational training. A set of more desirable attitudes toward lectures, higher self-concept, and greater internal locus of control were found in the group with professional training. (DH)

Students from 15 intact classes in grades 6 and 7 (N=142) from suburban schools in Perth, Australia, were used to investigate their time on task and achievement in process-oriented lessons. One finding noted is a positive relationship between achievement and student reasoning ability and engagement in planning and collecting tasks. (JN)

Determined that graphic organizers are effective in increasing the achievement of sixth-grade (N=235) and seventh-grade (N=220) middle school students who used the organizers. Reasons why the graphic organizer enhances student learning and is an effective and practical teaching strategy are also discussed. (JN)

Determined that the majority of 299 preservice teachers did not use formal reasoning patterns when they attempted to solve a variety of problems. Results obtained for controlling variables and for proportional, probabilistic, correlational, and combinatorial reasoning are discussed with implications for middle/junior high school science teaching.…