Offers a critique of American schools to provide helpful insight to teachers, researchers, and reformers of national systems who struggle with deeply rooted cultural divisions. Contains 36 references. (DDR)

Examines situations in which science impinges on everyday life and in which school science education is of little use. Argues that relevancy goes beyond acquiring knowledge of conceptual understanding. Contains 33 references. (DDR)

Describes a way to teach chemistry students about research by studying the primary literature. This technique is an alternative to the classical approach and it came together in response to low student participation. (DDR)

Argues that the nature of science has not been emphasized effectively in the professional training of scientists in Pakistan. Describes how the development of science-process skills, an inquiry approach, and constructive learning is delayed. (DDR)

Explores the views of Japanese students (N=2478) concerning the nature of science, technology, and society via a questionnaire. Discusses the results within the context of Japanese culture. (DDR)

Explains a taxonomy of basic skills of science practicals that is used in the assessment of secondary science students. Details the assessment scheme which involves the evaluation of students through laboratory practical examinations, observational assessment, and written records of academic sessions. (DDR)

Science lessons were created to promote scientific and technological literacy (STL) among Estonian students. Teacher interviews (n=20) and student responses (n=470) to open-ended questions were analyzed based on process, attitudinal, and instructional domains. Outcomes emphasized the need for in-service guidance for teachers' better understanding…

Contends that cultural contexts determine how science education goals can be met in any particular region. Describes the basic tenets of the nature of science and how these ideas can be incorporated into the Turkish curriculum. Contextual adaptation would include incorporating more hands-on science projects, focusing on scientific literacy skills,…

Describes a project undertaken to increase the pedagogical content knowledge of Pakistani science and math teachers (n=31). Presents specific features of the Subject Specialist Teacher Programme in relationship to both the contextual quality and relevance of the initiative. Addresses challenges and possibilities associated with the model as a…

Argues that most students' cultural identities are at odds with the culture of Western science, and that science teachers should be viewed as "culture brokers" or "tour guides" who make this Western science culture available to students. (WRM)

Outlines current practices and future trends for science education in Thailand. Advocates a change in the teacher's role to that of facilitator and the increased incorporation of technology and multimedia approaches to science education. (WRM)

Describes the implementation of a concept practical in a physics class. Uses the example of students predicting and testing what will happen to the speed and acceleration of a ball rolling down variously-sloped railings. Some evidence of conceptual development was indicated by pre- and post-test scores. Suggests that a well-conducted class…

Describes an attempt to determine if there were gender or age differences in the images that 11- to 14-year-old students have of scientists. Results indicate that as female students get older they adopt and project a more stereotypic image of scientists, whereas male students seem to harbor a less stereotypic image of scientists as they age.…

This study examined the relationships among emotional maturity, intelligence, and creativity in 221 gifted children at a special school in Israel. Emotional maturity was defined as the strength and courage to actualize individual abilities within the frame of social demands. Highly intelligent and emotionally mature children were more creative…

As part of a longitudinal study, 40 high-achieving scientists in Germany were identified and compared with a nationally representative sample. Among predictor variables were high academic achievement, curricular and extracurricular involvement in the natural sciences and mathematics during adolescence, and an inclination toward intellectual…