1.  Does this study show that 'hands-on science' is not more effective than traditional textbook-driven methods?

No.  The results of the study show that in the Oshkosh Area School District, a district in partial reform relative to inquiry-based science instruction, no significant gains are anticipated on state and national standardized tests (e.g. TIMMS) as a result of adopting the STC curriculum.  These conclusions are based on a study of N=325 students (grades 1-4), 16 classrooms, and four (4) physical science units.