Reports on the processes and outcomes of practices in a preservice elementary science methods course designed to fathom existing student perceptions of the nature of science and move students from holding individually constructed, typically limited views on the nature of science towards more rich, publicly negotiated views. Uses an…

Investigates the impact of computer simulation on students' academic achievement and their mastery of science process skills with regard to their cognitive stages. Based on the computer simulation program "The Growth Curve of Microorganisms" which requires 10th grade biology students to use problem solving skills while simultaneously manipulating…

Analyzes the answers provided by (n=98) 12-year-old students to questions on an end-of-the-year science examination. Points out that although students are able to explain day and night, they have difficulties explaining why the moon always presents the same face to Earth. Addresses implications for teaching and learning. (Contains 17 references.)…

Interviews visitors at the Australian National Science and Technology Center. Reports that when using an exhibit, visitors experience a reminder of a similar experience that forms the basis for interpreting the exhibit. Proposes a model for "personal awareness of science and technology" (PAST) which is used to interpret learning results from…

Analyzes a project-based space science curriculum designed to support elementary school students in understanding complex, inter-related astronomy concepts. Uses pre- and post-interviews, examines student work, and has students complete a pre- and post-astronomy conceptual survey to assess conceptual change. Points out that instruction should…

Focuses on female performance in science and mathematics in a single-sex classroom setting. Reports the circumstances under which teachers were able to implement gender-inclusive strategies in single-sex science classes in coeducational high schools and documents some of the difficulties faced. Gathers qualitative and quantitative data from…

Discusses the purpose of science education for children of the very poor classes in caste-oriented developing countries such as Pakistan. Presents a case study of one teacher educator whose beliefs and practices sharply deviated from the norm--she believes that science education ought to be about empowering students to make physical and political…

Investigates whether there is a significant relationship between the socio-cultural beliefs held by beginning junior secondary school (JSS) students in Botswana, and theory attitudes towards school science on one hand and their achievement in school science on the other. Features (n=395) JSS students in the study. (Contains 29 references.)…

Studies the understanding that 8-12 grade high school students were able to develop with regard to the interrelationships between resistance, potential difference, and current concepts (Ohm's law). Explores the immediate effects of exposure to electricity courses on the intuitive mastery of these relationships. (Contains 32 references.)…

Reports on a study examining how upper secondary students (18-19-years-old) in Norway come to terms with wave-particle duality as presented as part of a short introduction to quantum physics. Concludes that school physics should give a more explicit focus to the challenge that quantum physics presents to the classical worldview. (Contains 30…

Explores the effects of Roundhouse diagram construction on a previously low-performing middle school science student's struggles to understand abstract science concepts and principles. Based on a metacognition-based visual learning model, aims to elucidate the process by which Roundhouse diagramming helps learners bootstrap their current…

Explains that in dynamics, the process of finding the direction of force acting on a moving object can be structured as a syllogism. Uses the syllogistic form of a scientific explanation task to help middle school students change their prior conceptions about force and motion. Reports four factors preventing students' use of deductive reasoning.…

Describes a study involving (n=286) secondary school science teachers from the seven Emirates which constitute the United Arab Emirates. Reports that Emirates secondary school science teachers did not view modern science as only a subculture of Western culture. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores elementary children's ideas about insects using 20 K-5 students. Investigates what an insect means to children through the use of three different tasks: (1) draw and explain; (2) interview about instances; and (3) formulation of a general rule. (Contains 31 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores the structural complexity and propositional validity of knowledge about and attitudes toward sharks and the relationships among knowledge and attitudes. Uses concept mapping and a Likert-type attitude inventory for assessment and involves (n=238) participants from 5th, 8th, and 11th grades and college-level and senior citizens. Reports…