Explores the role of science for employees in science-based industries and members of the public interacting with science in their everyday lives. Suggests that procedural understanding is essential in higher levels of industry and in interacting effectively with everyday issues while conceptual understanding is so specific that it is acquired in…

Investigates 10 student teachers' understanding of the different ways in which the function of the ecosystem could be experienced. Explores the functional aspects of the ecosystem using a system approach. Concludes that the idea of transformation is crucial to more complex ways of understanding photosynthesis. (Contains 62 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the structure and general features of the phenomenon of ecological understanding. Presents qualitatively different ways of experiencing cycling of matter and the flow of energy in the context of ecosystems. The idea of transformation is key to the development of ecological understanding. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores an American high school chemistry teacher's perspective on the meaning of student questions that originate from curiosity and engagement with the subject matter. Uses ethnographic analysis of a teacher's reflective processes and decision making approach and suggests that questions hold contradictory meaning as powerful, conflicting…

Addresses relationships between a student's learning orchestration and learning outcome as a function of prior understanding in first year university biology courses. Employs a cluster analysis of (n=272) Australian students revealing three different forms of learning orchestration: understanding, reproducing, and disintegrating. (Contains 44…

Develops an integrated approach based on the use of general systems theory (GST) and the concept of 'mapping' scientific knowledge to provide students with tools for a more holistic understanding of science. Uses GST as the core methodology for understanding science and its complexity. Discusses the role of scientific community in producing…

Describes educational changes targeting the science curriculum in Africa in response to dissatisfaction with the educational system. Attempts to qualitatively analyze and reflect on the newly introduced chemistry curriculum for beginners at grade 7 (age 13) in Ethiopian primary schools. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates the effects of selected characteristics of a web-aided instructional simulation on students' conceptual change, problem solving, and transfer abilities. Conducts a two-pronged research study with (n=117) students enrolled in a beginning meteorology course at Iowa State University. Compares three groups--with-log group, without-log…

Examines the process of students' conceptual changes with regard to air pressure and buoyancy as a result of teaching with the dual situated learning model. Uses a model designed according to the students' ontological viewpoint on science concepts as well as the nature of these concepts. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores the effectiveness of bringing female scientists into elementary classrooms to promote change in the stereotypical images of scientists. Indicates that despite the efforts of the scientists to encourage students to question their image of a scientist, students held onto stereotypical images. Uses both qualitative and quantitative methods…

Describes cooperation between social studies and science education professors to introduce preservice teachers to the evolution versus creationism debate via a mock trial. Uses a hypothetical situation in which a 6th grade teacher was fired for not balancing evolution and creationism in his teaching. Reports that the mock trial slightly increased…

Explores relationships between motivational goal orientation and self-concept ability as preservice elementary teachers (n=45) participate in a science learning cycle during methods course instruction. Emphasizes inquiry-based teaching procedures in teacher education programs to promote positive motivational and affective dispositions in new…

Investigates the relationships between students' free exploration of interactive science museum exhibits, conceptual understandings, and cognitive developmental levels. Classifies participating subjects (n=45), ages 5-13, as preoperational, concrete operational (empirical-inductive), or formal operational (hypothetical-deductive). (Contains 22…

Presents an interview-based study of (n=56) elementary school students. Determines students' understanding about insect characteristics, life cycles, environmental conditions, and impact on humans. Suggests building units of instruction based on students' personal questions about insects. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores the interrelationship between students' problem-solving ability and their science-process skills in earth science. Statistical analyses indicated that a significantly moderate correlation existed between students' problem-solving ability and their science process skills. Results of a t-test also revealed that there were significant mean…