Presents an interactive, case-based online network (ICON) that provides a learning environment that integrates student thinking across different concentration tracks and allows students to get away from interpreting vast amounts of available information, move toward selecting useful information, recognize discriminating findings, and build a…

Examines the relative effectiveness of guided versus unguided computer-based instruction with regard to regular instruction in improving content knowledge and process skills among students with low and high chemistry achievement levels. The effectiveness of computer-based instruction increases when learning is supported by teacher-directed…

Reports on the development of a visual search interface called "SearchKids" to support children ages 5-10 years in their efforts to find animals in a hierarchical information structure. Investigates whether children can construct search queries to conduct complex searches if sufficiently supported both visually and conceptually. (Contains 27…

Describes technological advances in the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is also known as the NAVSTAR GPS satellite constellation program developed in 1937, and changes in the nature of our world by GPS in the areas of agriculture, health, military, transportation, environment, wildlife biology, surveying and mapping, space applications, and…

Points out difficulties with a change from traditional teaching methods to a more inquiry-centered approach. Presents theoretical and empirical foundations for the Networking for Leadership, Inquiry, and Systemic Thinking (NLIST) initiative sponsored by the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) and NASA, describes its progress, and outlines…

Describes a particularly useful theme that reveals the structure of certain scientific explanations relevant to the study of chemistry and provides an example of a theme for an introduction to chemistry. (Author/YDS)

Uses excerpts from writings of great scientists and philosophers as handouts to supplement text and lectures on environmental science for nonscience majors requiring a laboratory course. (Author/YDS)

Introduces the two-week Summer Science and Math Experience program developed for high school minority students which provides the opportunity for access to a laptop computer for personal use during both the summer and the academic year. (Author/YDS)

Describes the development of three graduate level biochemistry courses targeting high school science teachers. Uses distributed resources and points out the lack of certainty on such freely available distributed resources. (Author/YDS)

Examines student instructor communication in freshman classes taught either in traditional lecture style or by using a variety of student-centered, active learning approaches to engage students in the learning process (cooperative learning groups, wireless microphones, permanent name tags, in-class and out-of-class writing). Encourages students to…

Examines the philosophical underpinnings of the theory, outlines the impact of the doctrine on contemporary science education, and details the relativist and subjectivist interpretation of Thomas Kuhn's work found in constructivist writings. Indicates the problems that constructivist theory places in the way of teaching the content of science.…

Examines whether women who pursue scientific training are viewed negatively by college students. Investigates n=114 (56 women, 58 men) participants judgments about a woman describing her major; speaker's traits, social behaviors, and her future potential. Indicates that both major and commitment level influenced perceptions of the speaker.…

Illustrates some of the possible uses of the CCD camera in science teaching. Starts with the introduction of Flexcam which is a type of CCD camera used primarily by biology teachers and uses Flexcam to demonstrate observations and scientific skills in connection with the TV monitor. (Author/YDS)

Examines searching patterns of students using the Web as science information resources. Attempts to provide detailed accounts of how students use the Web as a science resource and illuminate how the different levels of domain knowledge and expertise, and situational interest impact students' ability to find useful and relevant information on the…

Describes the eventful history of online data collection and presents a review of current literature following by a list of pros and cons to be considered when stepping into online surveying. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)