This proceedings contains the texts of 14 science education research studies which were presented at the 1983 Western Australia Science Education Conference. They include: "Students' Understanding of Chemical Equilibrium: A Report of Research in Progress" (Patrick J. Garnett, Mark W. Hackling); "Measuring the Learning Environment in Elementary and Middle Science Classrooms" (Trevor W. Lacy); "The Effect of Inservice Training on Teacher Attitudes and Primary School Science Classroom Climates--An Interim Report" (Pauline Hutchinson); "Why Teach Science?" (Leonie J. Rennie), focusing on primary school science instruction; "Identifying Characteristics of Primary Science Teaching Styles" (L. N. McKenna); "Time Available for Teaching: A Survey in Four West Australian Schools" (M. C. Crosbie); "Primary Science Today" (John D. Rowe); "How Well Do Standard Piagetian Protocols Assess Aboriginal Children's Conservation Behavior?" (David F. Treagust, Ross Hastie); "Enhancing Student Engagement in Upper Primary and Lower Secondary Science Activities" (Kenneth G. Tobin); "Beyond the Keller Plan" (Phillip Jennings), reviewing application of the Keller scheme in college physics; "John Forrest National Park as an Ecological Study Area" (Bill Foulds, Judy Parsons); "Priorities for Computer Education in W.A." (M. J. O'Loughlin, J. Luca); "Techniques for Formative Evaluation of Science Curricula" (Barry J. Fraser); and "Problem Solving in Physics" (John Deacon), examining problem-solving methods and misconceptions found in student answers on the 1979 W.A. Tertiary Admissions Physics Examination. (JN)