Researchers, educators, and science education organizations have accepted the importance of developing informed conceptions of the nature of science (NOS) among students. Despite attempts to improve both students' and teachers' perceptions of the nature of science, research shows that the desired understanding has not been attained. Evaluation of the learners' view of the nature of science is based on standardized and convergent paper-and-pencil instruments. This paper reports on the development of a new instrument, The Views of Nature of Science Questionnaire (VNOS), which provides authentic assessment of students' views of NOS. (Contains 63 references.) (YDS)