Recently added articles from Journal of Elementary Science Education:
Different conceptions of the nature of science among preservice elementary teachers of two countries.(Report)
Mar 22, 2009; ... Abstract This study examined the differences of the nature of science (NOS) conceptions portrayed by preservice teachers in Korea (N = 42) and the United States (N = 50). We conducted a survey of preservice elementary science teachers' NOS conceptions followed by interviews in ...
Comparing science learning among 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-grade students: STS versus textbook-based instruction.(Science-Technology-Society)(Report)
Mar 22, 2009; ... Abstract Fifteen 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-grade teachers from five school districts each taught two sections of science--one with a Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach and the other with a more traditional textbook approach in which basic science concepts were the major ...
Preservice elementary teachers' self-efficacy beliefs about equitable science teaching: does service learning make a difference?(Report)
Mar 22, 2009; ... Abstract This pilot study investigated the effect of community-based service learning on the self-efficacy beliefs of preservice elementary teachers in regards to equitable science teaching and learning. Using the Self-Efficacy Beliefs About Equitable Science Teaching (SEBEST) ...
The effects of outdoor science lessons with elementary school students on preservice teachers' self-efficacy.(Report)
Mar 22, 2009; ... Abstract Teachers' self-efficacy develops based on their appraisal of their experience with a task or similar tasks. Elementary science education should provide opportunities for students to experience science learning opportunities in authentic settings. This retrospective ...
Socioscientific issues: theory and practice.(Report)
Mar 22, 2009; ... Abstract Drawing upon recent research, this article reviews the theory underlying the use of socioscientific issues (SSI) in science education. We begin with a definition and rationale for SSI and note the importance of SSI for advancing functional scientific literacy. We then ...
Rebecca's in the dark: a comparative study of problem-based learning and direct instruction/experiential learning in two 4th-grade classrooms.(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Abstract Seeking improved student performance in elementary schools has led educators to advocate inquiry-based teaching approaches, including problem-based learning (PBL). In PBL, students simultaneously develop problem-solving strategies, disciplinary knowledge bases, ...
Argumentation: the language of science.(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Introduction In the past two decades, the role of language in the science curriculum has become prominent in science education literature (e.g., Dawes, 2004; Gee, 1989; Lemke, 1990; Yore, Bisanz, & Hand, 2003). From a constructivist perspective, language mediates social ...
Conducting science inquiry in primary classrooms: case studies of two preservice teachers' inquiry-based practices.(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... The research reported in this paper was supported by a National Science Foundation grant. The views contained in this paper do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the National Science Foundation. Abstract This study examined the impact of an ...
Enhancing prospective teachers' science teaching efficacy beliefs through scaffolded, student-directed inquiry.(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Abstract This study examined the impact of a recently revised science course hat engaged preservice teachers in a scaffolded, student-directed inquiry unit on local streams. Upon the completion of the inquiry project, the teacher candidates in the stream study classes ...
Moving beyond the lone scientist: helping 1st-grade students appreciate the social context of scientific work using stories about scientists.(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Abstract While several studies have documented young children's (K-2) stereotypic views of scientists and scientific work, few have examined students' views of the social nature of scientific work and the strategies effective in broadening these views. The purpose of this study ...
What can developmental theory contribute to elementary science instruction?(ASTE Invited Article)(Report)
Sep 22, 2008; ... Abstract Children personally construct explanations of natural phenomena, some of which differ from currently accepted scientific explanations. The replacement of personal explanations with scientific explanations, as well as the development of concrete, formal, and post-formal ...
Designing the best urban, preservice elementary science methods course: dilemmas and considerations.(Report)
Sep 22, 2008; ... Abstract This paper addresses the dilemmas encountered by two secondary science education instructors designing a course for preservice elementary teachers. Taking into consideration past experiences of teaching education and science courses in general and with preservice ...
An evaluation of elementary school science kits in terms of classroom environment and student attitudes.(Report)
Sep 22, 2008; ... Abstract Student perceptions of classroom environment can provide useful criteria for evaluating educational alternatives. The My Class Inventory (MCI) was used with 588 3rd- to 5th-grade students in Texas in evaluating the effectiveness of instruction using a textbook, science ...
Lasting impact of a professional development program on constructivist science teaching.(Report)
Sep 22, 2008; ... Abstract This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the GK-12: Lowcountry Partners for Inquiry program that included an emphasis on constructivist teaching methods for science teachers and science graduate students. The goal was to monitor middle school teachers' ...
Improving achievement for linguistically and culturally diverse learners through an inquiry-based Earth systems curriculum.
Sep 22, 2008; ... Abstract This report describes an inquiry-based Earth systems curriculum and strategies for teaching diverse students, which were embedded in the curriculum. The curriculum was implemented with 5th-grade students with varied linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds in ...
Guidelines for submission of manuscripts.
Sep 22, 2008 ... The Journal of Elementary Science Education invites submissions of manuscripts written in accordance with its purposes and which have not been previously published and are not under review by any other publication. The following guidelines should be followed: * Manuscripts ...
Conversations of family and primary school groups at robotic dinosaurs in a museum? What do they talk about?(Report)
Jun 22, 2008; ... Abstract The story from the museum may not be read by visitors, who come with their own knowledge and understanding and read a different story in the animals. The visitors read a story which makes sense to them and builds on what they already know and interests them. ...
Initial impacts of No Child Left Behind on elementary science education.(Report)
Jun 22, 2008; ... Abstract This research examines the impact of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act on elementary science education within a Midwestern state possessing strong national education measures. Elementary teachers (N = 164) responded to an online survey, which included both ...
The role of the elementary science teacher and linguistic diversity.(Report)
Jun 22, 2008; ... Abstract This qualitative study looks at 23 elementary preservice teachers' roles as science teachers and the importance of understanding linguistic diversity for science instruction. Using individual and group reflection papers, two important points are made that reflect the ...
ASTE invited article: why the learning cycle?(Association for Science Teacher Education)(Report)
Jun 22, 2008; ... Abstract The learning cycle is a way to structure inquiry in school science and occurs in several sequential phases. A learning cycle moves children through a scientific investigation by having them first explore materials, then construct a concept, and finally apply or extend ...