Federal and state funding agencies have invested billions of dollars into secondary STEM (Science, Technology, Education, Mathematics) educational reform over the past decade. This volume addresses the interplay of external and internal variables associated with school reform and how this dynamic has impacted many efforts.

The 2015 TIMSS Grade 9 study was administered in August 2015 by a team of researchers at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). This was the fifth time that South Africa has participated in TIMSS since 1995. In addition to the learner assessment data, the study also collected contextual information from learners, teachers and school principals, making it possible to explore the factors that are related to Grade 9 mathematics and science achievement. This report was written to provide some perspective about how the results of international assessments can be used to provide meaningful national insights. Sections of the report bring together the main findings based on descriptive, inferential and psychometric analysis of the data. The report concludes with recommendations of how the results relate to policy and practice for improving educational quality.

This timely update of the popular "Environmental Science Activities Kit" includes more than 35 lessons for middle and high school science teachers on the most compelling and relevant environmental topics, such as global warming, food and water production, alternative energy sources, endangered species, land-use issues, and many more.

Cultivate an interest in the agricultural sector with a three-level secondary course designed specifically for the Caribbean. - Explore regional and global practices and developments in agriculture. - Review career options in an increasingly lucrative and essential sector. - Enhance understanding of the relevance of agriculture with a project-based approach to select topics. - Prepare for study at the CSEC level with a dedicated project-based chapter scalable to other topics and SBA research at the CSEC level. - Consolidate learning with clear chapter objectives and end of chapter evaluation.

Cultivate an interest in the agricultural sector with a three-level secondary course designed specifically for the Caribbean. - Explore regional and global practices and developments in agriculture. - Review career options in an increasingly lucrative and essential sector. - Enhance understanding of the relevance of agriculture with a project-based approach to select topics. - Prepare for study at the CSEC level with a dedicated project-based chapter scalable to other topics and SBA research at the CSEC level. - Consolidate learning with a clear chapter objectives and end of chapter evaluation.

Cultivate an interest in the agricultural sector with a three-level secondary course designed specifically for the Caribbean. - Explore regional and global practices and developments in agriculture. - Review career options in an increasingly lucrative and essential sector. - Enhance understanding of the relevance of agriculture with a project-based approach to select topics. - Prepare for study at the CSEC level with a dedicated project-based chapter scalable to other topics and the SBA research at the CSEC level. - Consolidate learning with clear chapter objectives and end of chapter evaluation.

"As Scott gazed at the revolving space station, looking quite state-of-the-art, he whistled to himself softly. The winner of the Star Park contest would go to this just-completed space station. And the winner would be the first one to experience the first-ever virtual-reality space adventure Inside the space station, Star Park had created a gigantic version of their new computer. This gigantic computer could create a world-size virtual-reality adventure. Scott had jumped at the chance to win such a prize. The only way to enter the contest was to buy a Star Park computer. Then with the virtual-reality capability of the computer, the contestant had to make up an adventure and submit it to Star Park. The winning adventure would entitle the contestant to go to Star Park. To experience a world-size adventure was by itself exciting. But to also travel to the space station he was gawking at now made the whole idea irresistible. He had never wanted anything more than to win this contest."

This book addresses new research directions focusing on the emotional and aesthetic nature of teaching and learning science informing more general insights about wellbeing. It considers methodological traditions including those informed by philosophy, sociology, psychology and education and how they contribute to our understanding of science education. In this collection, the authors provide accounts of the underlying ontological, epistemological, methodological perspectives and theoretical assumptions that inform their work and that of others. Each chapter provides a perspective on the study of emotion, aesthetics or wellbeing, using empirical examples or a discussion of existing literature to unpack the theoretical and philosophical traditions inherent in those works. This volume offers a diverse range of approaches for anyone interested in researching emotions, aesthetics, or wellbeing. It is ideal for research students who are confronted with a cosmos of research perspectives, but also for established researchers in various disciplines with an interest in researching emotions, affect, aesthetics, or wellbeing.

Ken & Verstaan Landbouwetenskappe Graad 12 is deur 'n ervare span onderwysers geskryf, ooreenkomstig die vereistes van die Kurrikulum- en Assesseringsbeleidsverklaring (KABV). Hierdie nuwe en toeganklike reeks sal leerders help om die inhoud van en vaardighede vir Landbouwetenskappe baas te raak. Die omvattende Leerdersboek bied 'n uitgebreide inhoudsblad wat uiteensit hoe die KABV in elke eenheid gedek word, assesseringstake en 'n oorsig aan die einde van elke module wat leerders help om kennis te konsolideer, gevallestudies wat wetenskap met die alledaagse lewe verbind en sensitiewe kwessies op 'n gebalanseerde wyse aanspreek, flitse in die kantlyn met interessante en belangrike inligting, 'n omvattende woordelys wat onbekende en moeilike terme help verduidelik.

A volume in Research in Science Education Series Editors Dennis W. Sunal, University of Alabama and Emmett L. Wright, Kansas State University The Impact of the Laboratory and Technology on K-12 Science Learning and Teaching examines the development, use, and influence of active laboratory experiences and the integration of technology in science teaching. This examination involves the viewpoints of policymakers, researchers, and teachers that are expressed through research involving original documents, interviews, analysis and synthesis of the literature, case studies, narrative studies, observations of teachers and students, and assessment of student learning outcomes. Volume 3 of the series, Research in Science Education, addresses the needs of various constituencies including teachers, administrators, higher education science and science education faculty, policymakers, governmental and professional agencies, and the business community. The guiding theme of this volume is the role of practical laboratory work and the use of technology in science learning and teaching, K- 16. The volume investigates issues and concerns related to this theme through various perspectives addressing design, research, professional practice, and evaluation. Beginning with definitions, the historical evolution and policy guiding these learning experiences are explored from several viewpoints. Effective design and implementation of laboratory work and technology experiences is examined for elementary and high school classrooms as well as for undergraduate science laboratories, informal settings, and science education courses and programs. In general, recent research provides evidence that students do benefit from inquirybased laboratory and technology experiences that are integrated with classroom science curricula. The impact and status of laboratory and technology experiences is addressed by exploring specific strategies in a variety of scientific fields and courses. The chapters outline and describe in detail researchbased best practices for a variety of settings.

Progress in is a learner-centred series for Grades 8-12, written by subject specialists, with a step-by-step approach that ensures full syllabus coverage. Each concept is carefully explained so that individual learners can progress at their own pace.

Science Bug International is an exciting and comprehensive science programme that has been designed to make sure your children never stop asking questions about their world! With full and comprehensive coverage of the skills and knowledge required for curriculum attainment, Science Bug International will help you to nurture and inspire your young scientist.

Children have an innate curiosity about the natural world that makes teaching science a rewarding experience. However teaching science is an art that requires a unique combination of knowledge and skills to make the most of students' interest and foster their understanding. With contributions from leading educators, The Art of Teaching Primary Science addresses the fundamental issues in teaching science in primary and early childhood years. Reflecting current research in science education, The Art of Teaching Primary Science covers the following areas: * the theoretical underpinnings of science education and curriculum; * effective science teaching practice planning, teaching strategies, investigations, resources and assessment; * key issues including scientific literacy, integrating science and technology, and activities outside the classroom. The Art of Teaching Primary Science is invaluable for student teachers as a guide to the fundamentals of science education, and as a resource for experienced teachers to review and enhance their professional skills. 'An excellent reference for those teachers of the primary years seeking the best ways to engage their students in good science and scientific investigation, and keen to link these with other learning areas.' Peter Turnbull, President, Australian Science Teachers Association

Science Bug International is an exciting and comprehensive science programme that has been designed to make sure your children never stop asking questions about their world! The Topic Book includes fun and engaging practical activities as well as opportunities for consolidation and reflection making it perfect for use inside and outside the classroom. With full and comprehensive coverage of the skills and knowledge required for curriculum attainment, Science Bug International will help you to nurture and inspire your young scientist.

Some life cycles are beautiful, other life cycles are fascinating, but these life cycles are absolutely GROSS! From flicking poo everywhere to biting each others' heads off, these animals have some of the smelliest, deadliest and grossest life cycles on our planet.

In this book John A. Weaver suggests curriculum studies scholars need to engage more in science matters. It offers a review of science studies writing from Ludwick Fleck and Thomas Kuhn to Philip Mirowski. The volume includes chapters on the rhetoric of science with a focus on the history of rhetoric and economics then on the rhetoric of models, statistics, and data, a critique of neoliberalism and its impact on science policy and the foundations of democracy, Harry Collin's and Robert Evans' theory of expertise followed by chapters on feminism with a focus on the work of Sharon Traweek, Karen Barad, and Vinciane Despret, postcolonial thought, with attention paid to the work of Daniela Bleichmar, Londa Schiebinger, Judith Carney, Sylvia Wynter, Paul Gilroy, and Sandra Harding, and a final chapter on Nietzsche's philosophy of science. Each section is introduced by an interlude drawing on autobiographical connections between curriculum studies and science studies.

Some of the most powerful things in the world are so tiny they can't be seen with the naked eye! Readers will be amazed at what they see when they take a glance at the world of the mini but mighty through this captivating nonfiction title. With remarkable images and graphics, and informational text featuring Time For Kids content, readers are able to explore and discover such micros as DNA, atoms, bacteria, phytoplankton, and nanotechnology items like nano-robots and microchips! This book also includes text features such as a table of contents, glossary, and index, as well as resources such as a bibliography and a list of useful websites for learning more. This high-interest book will engage readers from cover to cover!