Socio-scientific issues (SSIs) are real-life problems which have a scientific basis yet require the consideration of social concerns. Using SSIs has been advocated as an approach to engage secondary-school students with science and this study aimed to explore the potential of such an approach in the primary-school classroom. The experiences and…

This article provides a critical commentary on the recently released learning programme, "Climate Change: Prepare Today, Live Well Tomorrow" (Climate Change programme). The Climate Change programme is sorely needed in this time of climate emergency and we believe it to be a great start in guiding teachers in this important work. Here we…

Understanding sustainability is important, as people need to cope with issues associated with over-population and over-consumption. Education is seen as a key strategy to assist with the development of people's understandings of this complex concept, which could then lead to them being able to make more sustainable lifestyle decisions. In order to…

There is a need to develop an understanding of how science knowledge is interpreted and used when a Socially Acute Question (SAQ) is discussed on the "agora" of the Internet. A case is made for using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to unravel the diversity of participants taking part, their stance, source and expression of their…

The effects of climate change are being felt by people and ecosystems world-wide, and it is clear that human action is significantly contributing to these effects (IPCC, 2021). Climate change impacts the natural environment, and, by extension, our social structures, cultural health, and economic stability which all depend on a healthy natural…

Science and education for sustainability have recently become estranged. Both of these learning areas are also experiencing issues that are affecting students' understandings in these areas. This paper presents a framework of learning containing 12 components that reconstructs the relationship between these two areas and could have the potential…

A DVD resource that provided a scientist's perspective on the use of animals in research and teaching was evaluated with a questionnaire that asked students' views pre and post their access to the resource. Thirty-nine secondary students (Y10-Y13) took part in three different teaching programmes that provided information about animal research and…

Background: Research on biosecurity is important as New Zealand's agricultural export-driven economy is susceptible to biosecurity threats. Because New Zealand is reliant on the primary industries to drive its economy, bovine diseases such as foot and mouth could have a devastating effect on the economy. Purpose: Making sure that the general…

As Environmental Education (EE) is one of the most important subjects in the field of education that need further investigation, the current study explores one issue related to EE Teachers' beliefs about EE are the subject addressed in this research, with a focus on four different variables related to their beliefs about: their understanding of…

Empowering students to act in an environmentally responsible manner is being increasingly touted as a central goal of formal environmental education. Acting in a responsible manner requires the development of environmental knowledge as well as positive attitudes and values towards the environment along with other attributes. While some guidance…

Schools are natural environments for helping all children cultivate the resilience that resides within them. Research shows that schools are filled with the conditions that promote resilience (Werner, 2003). These include caring, encouraging relationships, role models, and mentors (Theron & Engelbrecht, 2012; Thomsen, 2002; Walsh, 2012); clear…

Chemical engineering is rarely encountered before higher-level education in the U.S. or in Europe, leaving prospective students unaware of what an applied chemistry or chemical engineering degree entails. In this lab experiment, we report the implementation of a three-day course to showcase chemical engineering principles for 16-17 year olds…

In school districts throughout California, teachers and parents have the ability to refer children to be identified and served through the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. However, despite active GATE program in the district, there are schools, marked by high percentages of students who are English learners or from low-income…

Focusing on the transfer function at Diablo Valley College (DVC), in California, this report offers 1991 and 1992 transfer data drawn from reports issued by the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), and the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC). Following introductory materials, the UC…

To determine factors affecting new students in their first semester, a study was conducted at Diablo Valley College, in California, to draw a profile and track 4,251 students who applied or were identified as new in fall 1992. Percentage distributions were calculated for the sample and for the sub-groups who applied only, completed testing only,…