Examines the relationship between experience and philosophical orientation by identifying practicing teachers' (n=233) and preservice teachers' (n=78) contextual frameworks related to calculator use as expressed through Habermasian interest categories. Found philosophical orientation pertaining to calculator use was a function of both experience…

Conducted a study to examine the influence of grouping, by means of cooperative learning, on elementary preservice teachers' (n=84) science teaching efficacy. Confirms the relative superiority of heterogeneous cooperative learning. Concludes that a well-designed science teaching methods experience can enhance the development of science teaching…

Describes a fictional autobiographical reconstruction of former students, that imaginatively explores the gender-blindness of a preservice teacher, the likely sources for this blindness, and its likely consequences. (JRH)

Conducted a survey to determine the current status of middle level science teacher preparation at major state research universities. Reports the lack of independent programs leading to the certification of middle school science teachers and the inconsistency of requirements where such programs are offered. (JRH)

Presents an overview of an innovative distance education course which provides another setting for science education courses. Discusses technology used, selected benefits and drawbacks, assessment, and possibilities for improvement and expansion. (JRH)

Describes the Science Education Program and Leadership (SEPAL) project, a model science program for elementary teachers and students, designed to improve the teaching of science at the K-8 level. Focuses on experiential learning for teachers and promotes an inquiry-oriented approach to science teaching. (JRH)

Describes the design of and reactions to the new elementary science teacher education program at the University of Wyoming that focuses on prospective teachers' understanding of science, confidence in teaching science, and attitudes towards science with the goal of creating a conceptual change in prospective teachers and enabling them to be more…

Describes scientific thought as a type of goal-directed behavior and its product and discusses its nature in terms of that goal and means appropriate for achieving it. Discusses the Galilean-Newtonian paradigm, empiricism, the idea that scientific thought has philosophical foundations, and the scientific status of human sciences. (Author/JRH)

Reviews evidence that demonstrates the need for effective evolution education and analyzes the foundational, semantic, epistemological, and philosophical issues involved. Emphasizes the scientific meaning of the terms theory, hypothesis, fact, proof, evidence, and truth, and focuses on the difference between religious belief and acceptance of…

Reviews the pressure-volume law from the point of view of its historical emergence from 1644-1662 and its application in the science classroom. Proposes a classification scheme for algebraic mathematical expressions based on their historical context as a means of assigning significance to the mathematical expressions commonly used in science.…

Conducted a study using activities based on historical data connected to heat and temperature to determine how and where it is possible to use the history of physics in a high school course. Analyzes episodes in which there was any allusion to history. Concludes that the history of science helps students understand the nature of science.…

Discusses the need for courses in the history and philosophy of science for science teachers. Outlines the development of an addendum as a test procedure fostering the expression of uncertainties in relation to important questions about science. (Author/JRH)

Conducted an interpretive investigation of a first-time science teacher that focused on an examination of beliefs and metaphors associated with the teacher's roles as manager, assessor of student learning, and facilitator of learning. Outlines the development of metaphors that guided the teacher in reconceptualizing her role as a science teacher…

Examines gender differences in science achievements and attitudes during the middle grades. Reports that female students do not lag behind in science achievement tests and course enrollments, but have less positive attitudes toward science and less interest in science careers. Science attitudes and career interests vary according to gender as well…

Examines the way teachers humanize science by focusing specifically on their use of analogies and metaphors. Explores classroom discourse in order to examine how teachers creatively use analogies to clarify an idea, develop a concept, or communicate a message leading to new research questions about the cultural, linguistic, and social…