Interest is a powerful motivator; nonetheless, science educators often lack the necessary information to make use of the power of student-specific interests in the reform process of science curricula. This study suggests a novel methodology, which might be helpful in identifying such interests--using children's self-generated questions as an…

This third of a three-article series describes impact resulting from the neglect of student involvement, unstated delimitations in scientific methodology, and overemphasis of performance objectives. Provides a list of four recommendations for further curriculum innovation. (CC)

The degree of self-expressed student interest in a variety of specific science topics was investigated, and changes in these interests across grade levels were determined. Data were collected from 13,401 students in grades 1-8 in 12 school systems in ten states. (HM)

Presents three interlinked studies aimed at developing a curricular framework for physics education; assessing student interest in the contents, contexts, and activities that are suggested by that curricular framework; and developing a curriculum that is in line with that framework and measuring its cognitive and emotional effects on students.…