Curriculum materials are a crucial tool with which teachers engage in teaching practice. For preservice teachers to learn to use science curriculum materials in productive ways, they must develop a conception of themselves as elementary teachers in which the use of science curriculum materials is a valued dimension of science-teaching practice. We…

Evaluates a new course for prospective elementary teachers entitled Basic Science Skills, designed to give students background in science, to show use of science materials and methods, and to promote positive attitudes toward science and science teaching. Math anxiety is suggested as a confounding factor in interpreting the results. (CS)

Results of a national survey to determine state certification requirements for elementary school teaching were analyzed to determine the amount of science content required. Very few states appear to be mandating sufficient science training to ensure that elementary school teachers are prepared to teach science. (PB)