Portraits of productive schools : an international study of institutionalizing activity-based practices in elementary science

Based on the study of successful cases in several countries, this book shows what it takes to put activity-based science programs into practice in elementary schools. Based on research conducted in four developed countries, this book focuses on the question of how elementary schools with successful activity-based science programs put them into practice and maintain them over the years. In general, activity-based science programs are advocated in developed countries, but are relatively rare in practice. By studying successful cases in several countries this book shows what it takes to make them successful. Topics discussed include the research approach employed, the educational context within which these cases are set, comparative analysis of the cases, and recommendations for practice. This book will be of interest to teachers, administrators, and support personnel-as well as to fellow researchers-who wish to introduce and nurture activity-based elementary school science so that it becomes an integral and sustained part of the local curriculum.