Somewhere over the Rainbow--Systematic Studies of the Environment of Science Classrooms

In this paper progress made in the systematic study of science classrooms is examined. Discussion centers on research studies related to three questions: (1) What is the nature of the environment in science classrooms? (2) What inputs to the classroom influence the environment? and (3) What environmental characteristics are related to student outcomes? The reviewer concludes that methodologically and conceptually sound classroom research is far from commonplace and that much classroom research is done because it can be done, not because it is related to the most important or the most basic issues. An 18-item bibliography is included. (PEB)