Science courses nearly extinct in elementary grades, study finds

Story by Nanette Asimov of the San Francisco Chronicle
The third-graders looked puzzled when asked what they liked best about science. No answer.
OK, then, next question: "What is science?" a visitor asked the children in a hallway at Bessie Carmichael Elementary School in San Francisco.

"Science is like art," said Manuel, 7, who let that cryptic response hang in the air as he ducked away.
He might have meant that both can open the heart to beauty. Or maybe he was saying that science, like art, is something students don't get much of these days in elementary school.
If it were the latter, a new survey of 923 Bay Area elementary school teachers would agree.
About 80 percent of those teachers said they spent less than an hour each week teaching science, according to researchers from the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley and from WestEd, an education think tank based in San Francisco.
In contrast, a national study seven years ago found elementary school science instruction averaged more than two hours per week, said Rena Dorph, the lead researcher on the new study.
"It's alarming because it's a very short amount of time per week dedicated to a subject that's considered a core subject in schools," said Dorph, who is director of the Center for Research, Evaluation and Assessment at the Lawrence Hall of Science.
Understanding science helps children learn to think and solve problems while questioning the world around them, Dorph said.
There is also evidence that people who go into scientific fields generally learned to love science as children, she said.
And as a practical matter, colleges require applicants to have taken science in high school.
"And how are you going to understand high school science if you haven't had it before fifth grade?" Dorph asked.
Her research team - reviewing responses from more than 80 Bay Area school districts as well as the teachers - made other sobering findings about elementary science instruction in Bay Area schools:
-- About 16 percent of the elementary teachers said they spent no time on science at all. (Most taught at schools that had missed the reading and math benchmarks of No Child Left Behind and were trying to catch up.)
-- Most kindergarten to fifth-grade students typically had science instruction no more than twice a week.
-- Ten times as many teachers said they felt unprepared to teach science (41 percent) than felt unprepared to teach math (4 percent) or reading (4 percent).
-- Fewer than half of Bay Area fifth-graders (47 percent) scored at grade level or above on last spring's California Standards Test in science. (Only fifth-graders are tested in science at the elementary level.)
"The demands of No Child Left Behind have made it almost impossible to devote enough time to science," said Melinda Dart, a fourth-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School in Daly City's Jefferson Elementary District.
Dart was not among the anonymous hundreds surveyed by the researchers. But she agrees with the findings.
Dart is planning a field trip to the Exploratorium in December and is preparing her students by teaching them about electricity and magnets. In one lesson, she had them rub balloons with various materials so they would see the effects of positive and negative charges.
But she has had time for only three 30-minute science lessons since the semester began.
"It's very rushed," she said. "In order to develop a scientific way of thinking, the thing you need most is time. And in our test-driven schools today, time for experimenting and exploring is what we have the least of."
In San Francisco, Principal Jeffrey Burgos of Bessie Carmichael Elementary agreed - but said teachers can find ways to be creative beyond the limited time already set aside for science.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that you can't get everything into one day," which is about five hours of instructional time, he said.
So you shoehorn it in, sneaking science into reading and math lessons.
Second-grade teacher Bernadette Ison is a master at that.
Her classroom at Bessie Carmichael is filled with children who are learning English and who come from lower-income families - just the kind of challenges that policymakers say is why basic reading and math should trump science and social studies.
"So we integrate science into our literacy," Ison said. "Our reading curriculum is called "Nature Walk," and we have a theme called "Animals."
On Friday, the students will take a nature walk around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. Afterward, they'll write an essay on what they saw and learned, Ison said.
This year, the California Board of Education has purchased new elementary science textbooks and materials that are just now reaching classrooms.
The reviews have been mixed. Some teachers said the materials were clearer than what they replaced, though they covered less ground.
Others said they were overwhelming. One teacher counted 1,199 pages in the teachers' edition science workbooks, as well as flip charts, four large boxes of materials, vocabulary and concept cards, CDs and DVDs.
Perhaps it's no wonder that teachers have little time to teach it all. They barely have time to learn it themselves.
The other day, the textbook company came to the Jefferson Elementary District in Daly City to show teachers how to use all the new stuff, said third-grade teacher Janet Harrison.
The textbook instructors stayed 90 minutes, Harrison said. And then they were gone.
Got science?
Some of a new study's findings about elementary school science instruction in Bay Area schools:
-- 80 percent of teachers say they spend less than an hour each week teaching science.
-- 16 percent of the elementary teachers say they teach no science at all.
-- Ten times as many teachers say they feel unprepared to teach science than feel unprepared to teach math or reading.
-- Fewer than half of Bay Area fifth-graders scored at grade level or above on last spring's California Standards Test in science.
To see the full report, visit www.lawrencehallofscience.org/rea/bayareastudy.
E-mail Nanette Asimov at nasimov@sfchronicle.com.
This article appeared on page A - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

University of Canberra students turning science into fun for primary school children

University of Canberra science teachers-to-be are making science fun for primary school children during National Science Week 2008. Following a pilot project last year-120 University students in 2008 have been undertaking a five week program where they spend two and a half hours in primary school’s working with small groups of children teaching practical science.

Southern Cross Primary School students have been involved in designing and building bridges and shelters as they learn how built structures impact on the environment.

Southern Cross Primary School Principal, Jennie Bailey believes the program is reaping benefits for all involved, students, teachers and the University interns.
“The children work in small groups while being exposed to young teachers who bring a fresh and energetic approach with precise and explicit teaching of science concepts taking place,” she said.

University Lecturer in Primary Education, Iain Hay said, “We place great emphasis on giving our students practical on the job experience. These students are required to plan and develop a program suitable for primary school curriculums.”

The schools involved include Southern Cross Primary, Yarralumla Primary, Majura Primary and Radford College Junior.

UC students embrace ‘big book’ project

A Science and Technology Education project, developed for Graduate entry students in Bachelor of Education, (early childhood, primary and middle school) has been embraced as an outstanding success and excellent teaching resource.

The ‘big book’ project required students to design, make and appraise an interactive ‘big book’ to teach a science concept for students in a primary, early childhood or middle school classroom.
The ‘big book’ had to be a narrative, have a movable part and teach a concept utilising a range of recycled materials.

Iain Hay, Lecturer in Science and Technology Education said, “The project is truly a ‘rich task’, in the sense that it allowed our students to engage in the design and appraisal process in a very concrete way by making the interactive ‘big book’."

National Capital Educational Tourism Project

The National Capital Educational Tourism Project (NCETP) is a joint initiative of the ACT Government and the National Capital Attractions Association (the body representing all 35 National Capital Attractions). The NCETP has been formed to assist schools in understanding the educational benefit of a visit to the National Capital and encouraging more to take the opportunity to visit for the first time.

So if you are thinking about planning or going on a school excursion the NCETP make available the excursion planners, each year. It is done in conjunction with the National Capital Attractions Association (NCAA). Make sure you go to their website to find out the relevant information.

'Skoool' science and mathematics resources

A collaboration between Intel and the Department of Education has delivered more than 200 high-quality interactive learning resources for science and maths to NSW schools through the Teaching and Learning exchange (TaLe).
The Intel skoool™ learning resources target primary and secondary students of science and maths from Stage 2 (years 2 and 3) through to Stage 6 (years 5 and 6). All of the resources have been aligned and contextualised to meet NSW syllabus requirements.
There are a range of resource types available. These include simulations that model abstract concepts, tools that facilitate exploration of mathematical concepts, learning steps that guide learners through a topic, and study notes that are useful for home study and research. The skoool simulations and tools are also highly effective when used with an interactive whiteboard.

Deputy PM goes back to school for science and literacy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Ms Julia Gillard, today launched the latest unit of a world-class primary school program linking science with literacy. The Primary Connections: Linking science with literacy program is an innovative approach to teaching and learning that incorporates the teaching of science into the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools.

The Minister acknowledged the importance of science and students’ development of scientific skills, like asking questions and knowing how to find answers.

Primary Connections builds on students’ natural curiosity to nurture their sense of wonder and develop their passion for exploring how the world works. This is achieved through a professional learning program supported by quality curriculum resources that promote a hands-on approach to science.

The program was initiated by the Australian Academy of Science and is carried out through a partnership between the Academy and the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

Primary Connections is used in over 2500 schools across the nation and has produced ten units to date. Through observing small animals, the recently published unit, Schoolyard safari, looks at how animals move, feed and protect themselves. The diversity of animals and the adaptations that help them survive are also explored.

Speaking at the event, President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Kurt Lambeck said:
‘The Academy is concerned about education at all levels and if we had a motto about this it would be: If Australia gets education right then everything else will succeed, if we get it wrong then nothing else matters.

‘To make sure that we get it right, we have embarked on the Primary Connections program…’

Professor Lambeck encouraged the Mossfiel Primary School students to embrace science saying:

‘By carrying out experiments, writing about them and discussing them among yourselves you will gain a better understanding about what occurs around you and perhaps become a scientist yourself. I hope so, because science remains fun and it is important!’

Former Australian of the Year and former President of the Academy Sir Gustav Nossal also spoke saying: ‘the Academy of Science has a long and proud record in primary school science education.’

Further information on Primary Connections:www.science.org.au/primaryconnections

2008 Australian Science Festival

The 2008 Australian Science Festival School Program will be held from August 20 - 22 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The festival team has been busy putting together another terrific program of exciting events for school students of all ages.

Not all the details are confirmed, but here’s a taste of what to expect. If you would like to register your interest for specific activities, please email bookings@sciencefestival.com.au Remember to include your contact details, how many people you’d like to bring and the names of the activities you want to attend.

Science Week 2008

What is Science Week?
It's going to be Australia's 11th National Science Week. There will be activities for everyone!

National Science Week 2008 will be from 16 - 24 August. Anyone can get involved in National Science Week and in the coming months the 2008 event diary will be available so you can search events and find out what is happening around your area.

If you would like to run an event in 2008 or would to find out how your organisation can get involved in National Science Week contact scienceweek@dest.gov.au or call 02 6240 5078. If you have an enquiry about National Science Week in schools send an email to nscwk@asta.edu.au.

Earth Day

Earth Day Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Earth Day Network is a driving force steering environmental awareness around the world. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact, and have an impact on their communities, and create positive change in local, national, and global policies.

EDN's international network reaches over 17,000 organizations in 174 countries, while the domestic program engages 5,000 groups and over 25,000 educators coordinating millions of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year. Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.

More than a half billion people participate in our campaigns every year. Our mission is to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue our mission through education, politics, events, and consumer activism.

Chilly Out! Have a look at Classroom Antarctica

Classroom Antarctica is a comprehensive online teaching resource produced by the Australian Antarctic Division. It is particularly aimed at grades 5 to 8. Each unit has a selection of activities you can mix and match to meet your own school or state's learning objectives. You can adapt the activities to the range of abilities in your class and the particular interests of your students.

ReefED - educate to keep it great

ReefED Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef 'up close' with just a touch of your mouse button when you enter Reef Ed. Inside this site, you'll find a wonderful collection of resources about the amazing animals, plants, habitats and features of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you are looking for information for a project or just want to learn more about the Reef, Reef Ed is the perfect place to explore the wonders of Australia's most precious reef ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef. With up-to-date information about a range of reef topics, Reef Ed is one of the most popular student and teacher resources and is used by people from all over the world.

Inside Reef Ed you'll find:
GBR Explorer - an on-line encyclopaedia where you can learn all about the amazing plants and animals in the Great Barrier Reef
Colour images and videos for educational use
A range of free teaching resources such as quality outcome-based teaching units for years K-12 and teaching modules in SOSE, Science, Technology, English, Mathematics and The Arts

Fun activities for children to complete at school and at home
The latest information about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's education programs.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Australian National Botanic Gardens: Growing, studying and promoting Australia's flora. Education Services offers programs for Preschool to year 12. We offer a range of fun and engaging activities relating to our biggest feature, our display of one-third of Australia’s Native Plants, as well as Environmental Science.

Teacher Tube

Teacher Tube has a number of great videos showing various aspect of science education. Also check out the Honda Accord Commercial at You Tube.

ABC TV Four Corners Program - The High Frontier: outer space open for business

Check out this ABC TV Four Corners program about Outer space is open for business. Four Corners reports on this booming $50 billion/year industry. Some interesting discussions regarding space exploration as big business.

Draw The Scientist Test

In week one we asked you to draw your image of what a scientist means to you and a lot of you discovered that you drew basically the same image. Judith Nuno from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education has conducted research into this area. You will be able to find more information about Draw the Scientist Test by searching the net. I have included a research paper on e-reserve link titled: Primary-school children's attitudes towards science, engineering and technology and their images of scientists and engineers by Anne Silver and Brian S. Rushton.

Wiley InterScience

Introduced in 1997 and launched commercially in January 1999, Wiley InterScience® (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/) is a leading international resource for quality content promoting discovery across the spectrum of scientific, technical, medical and professional endeavors. In nearly a decade, Wiley InterScience has built its reputation by regularly adding new content and functionality; offering sophisticated search and navigation capabilities; and providing robust online manuscript submission and management tools.

Today, Wiley InterScience reaches a worldwide audience with must-have content from journals, books, reference works, databases, laboratory manuals and The Cochrane Library, which is the world's best-known resource for evidence-based medicine. More than half of Wiley's journals on Wiley InterScience are digitized back to Volume 1, Issue 1 as part of the development of the journal backfile initiative. When the initiative is completed in 2007, in conjunction with Wiley's Bicentennial, Wiley InterScience will be one of the largest archives of its kind with content dating back to 1799 and over 1.5 million articles of scientific and scholarly research.

Classmate online resources

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The Perth Declaration on Science & Technology Education

The Perth Declaration on Science & Technology Education The recent CONASTA 56/ICASE 2007 WorldSTE conference held in Perth, 8-12 July 2007, generated the Perth Declaration on Science and Technology Education. The delegates at this conference agreed that urgent action is required to address the current issues involving science, technology, science teaching and learning and the engagement of students in science.

NASA Education

NASA EDUCATION: For almost 50 years, NASA has explored many frontiers leading to new horizons of opportunity. Now, as NASA implements the Vision for Space Exploration, which will carry humans back to the moon, on to Mars and beyond, NASA Education is working to lay the groundwork that will make this ongoing journey possible.

The Vision calls for a program of exploration that will continue for decades, requiring the dedication and ingenuity not only of the scientists and engineers of today, but of generations to come. To ensure those future explorers will be ready to continue the journey, NASA is working with one of its most vital partners -- educators.

NASA recognizes the importance of educators' contributions in making our work possible, and we are dedicated to supporting them in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (also referred to as STEM). NASA provides formal and informal educators unique resources and development opportunities to strengthen the overall teaching of STEM subjects. Using the excitement that NASA's missions inspire, we are working with educators to capture the imagination of students, encouraging them to become the scientists and engineers that we'll need in the future and to strengthen the nation's future workforce. NASA Education also aims to attract and retain students in STEM disciplines through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers and faculty and to build strategic partnerships and linkages between formal and informal education providers that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA's mission. Read more at the NASA Education website.

Nature News! read all about it!

Nature News aims to provide the best science journalism on the web. Here you will find breaking news, extended features and analysis, acclaimed columnists, blogs and multimedia specials. All of the news and features from the print edition of Nature appear on this site (often days before the journal has been printed), along with further content produced exclusively for online. For unrivalled authority, accessibility and insights into the science news that shapes your world, bookmark Nature News.