Reports on the assessment of student background knowledge along a continuum of language dependency using a set of three probes. Examines improved student performance in each of the respective assessments on the extent to which a sound natural history background facilitated meaningful learning relative to English as Second Language (ESL)…

Studies the performance of freshmen biology and physics-mathematics majors and chemistry majors as well as pre- and in-service chemistry teachers at two Israeli universities on algorithmic (ALG), lower-order cognitive skills (LOCS), and higher-order cognitive skills (HOCS) chemistry exam questions. Finds that students in both universities…

Explores the effects in a multiple case study of Roundhouse diagram construction and use on meaningful learning of science concepts in a 6th grade classroom. Concludes that the students typically gained a greater understanding of science explanations by constructing the diagrams. (Author/MM)

Explores the views some First Nations (Cree) and Euro-Canadian grade 7-level students in Manitoba have about the nature of science. Uses both qualitative and quantitative instruments to explore student views. A central hypothesis to this research program is the possibility that the different world views of two student populations, Cree and…

Reports on a 15-month study of attempted innovation in school science. The teachers in an Australian secondary school were attempting to introduce a constructivist approach to their teaching of science. Uses a method of analysis in which the school science system is mapped against an ecosystem. (Author/MM)

Considers how Portuguese and British parents of primary pupils rose to the challenge of having parents help them by taking part in home science activities, taking into account the recent history of science education in the two countries. Shows that the learning atmosphere is very different from that of school, being more conducive to relaxed and…

Reports on research into the conceptions of teaching school physics teachers in Guangdong, China, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research that involved interviews of 18 teachers and a survey of 450 teachers respectively. Comparisons with previous Western studies suggested that, while most teaching conceptions might be…

Analyzes the language used to introduce forms of energy in order to determine possible inconsistencies and limitations of validity judged from the viewpoint of thermodynamics. (Author/MM)

Analyzes student responses to interview and written questions on wave physics using diSessa and Sherin's coordination class model which suggests that student use of specific reasoning resources is guided by possibly unconscious cues. (Author/MM)

Examines preservice elementary teachers' understanding of the concepts of photosynthesis and inheritance, explores their self-efficacy beliefs in the teaching of science, and investigates the relationship between the two. Shows that participants held alternative conceptions regarding photosynthesis and inheritance and have generally positive…

Answers the questions: (1) How did Technology and Invention in Elementary Schools (TIES) training affect science classroom instruction?; (2) What lessons did teachers learn from their implementation of an Invention Convention in their own classroom?; and (3) What did the TIES teachers' students teach their teachers about science teaching?…

Reports on a study which followed a preservice teacher in his attempts to design and deliver conceptual change chemistry instruction in the context of an action research project. Identifies influences that impacted teaching for conceptual changes. (Author/MM)

Analyzes articles published in "I Wonder", a publication designed to promote scientific discourse among elementary students, offers an overview of the journal as a tool for promoting authentic inquiry and examine scientific and engineering projects published by students. (Author/MM)

Describes the effective use of performance-based assessment for evaluating fifth- and sixth-grade student achievement as demonstrated by student exhibit presentations at a science festival. Individual evaluation scores and group negotiated evaluations were consistent. (Author/MM)

Explores the relationships among teachers' beliefs about teaching science, learning science, and the nature of science. Investigates (n=37) Taiwanese science teachers' views on teaching, learning, and science and categorizes them into three groups--traditional, process, or constructivist. Identifies closely aligned beliefs as "nested…