Two years and seven months after the initiation of the U.S. satellite program, Soviet Russia launched a rocket north of the Caspian Sea carrying the now famous "Sputnik I" satellite. U.S. scientists were aware that Soviet Russia was planning on putting an artificial satellite into orbit; however, secrecy surrounding the timing and the location of…

The purpose of this study was to investigate students' understanding about scientifically acceptable content knowledge by exploring the relationship between knowledge of diffusion and osmosis and the students' certainty in their content knowledge. Data was collected from a high school biology class with the Diffusion and Osmosis Diagnostic Test…

This research study was designed to provide an introductory examination of how high school students' out-of-school science experiences, particularly those relevant to the physical sciences, relate to their learning of Newtonian mechanics. A factor analysis of the modified Science Experiences Survey (SES, Mason & Kahle, 1988) was performed, leading…

Three definitions of "back-to-the-basics" are given and discussed. The idea that science provides opportunities to practice the most "skill-thinking" is also discussed. (MK)

Examined biology textbooks to determine their cancer education content. Because the analysis of six commonly utilized textbooks showed that none addressed all categories related to scientific, clinical, and psycho-social aspects of cancer, it is recommended that textbooks be supplemented with other sources providing information on cancer. (JN)

Ways to follow-up science activities based on picture storybooks are discussed. The term "literature web" is used to name the method detailed for integrating science with fiction books. The web is seen as a resource guide for future use that helps resolve time dilemmas for science instruction. (MP)

Presents an integrated math/science activity in which families work together at an activity station and design and make a track for a marble to travel down using rules attached to a board. (MKR)

Reports a study to assess the professional productivity of the primary and secondary authors of the 10 available elementary science textbook series as 1 criterion in evaluating textbooks for adoption by school districts. Professional productivity based on presentations at professional meetings and articles published in professional journals was…

The purpose of this study was to determine which magnet concepts were found in various science textbook series, how the concepts were presented, and to identify potential misconceptions related to magnets. Magnet concepts presented as prose, illustration, and/or laboratory activities are identified and analyzed. (KR)