Suggests that models and theories in physics exist for a particular phenomenon, and that these models could be organized to explain the entire physics domain. Describes the knowledge structures of experts, intermediates, and novices and compares the proportions of theory and model-based categories created by the subjects. Investigates the…

Suggests that the contribution of history and philosophy of science (HPS) to science education can be enhanced through a consideration of scientific models. Analyzes the curriculum and textbooks for 14-16 year olds in Brazil and the United Kingdom and identifies the use of hybrid models. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/YDS)

Questions how secondary school students view science models. Concludes by recommending that teachers mold scientific modeling to their students, encourage the use of multiple models in science lessons, progressively introduce sophisticated models, systematically present in-class models using the Focus, Action, and Reflection (FAR) guide, and…

Discusses the opportunity to teach biotechnology from a technological perspective with the introduction of technology education in New Zealand. Presents information on the professional development research project that introduces teachers to the practice of biotechnology identified in "Technology in New Zealand Curriculum". (Contains 24…

Presents a framework that connects concepts such as expert consensus models, target models, intermediate models, preconceptions, learning processes, and natural reasoning skills for thinking about cognitive factors involved in model construction in the classroom. Provides guidance to teachers in the form of instructional principles and reminds…

Describes how 3rd grade students' photographs were used to assess the influence of hands-on science instruction within an urban classroom. The photos and individual interviews were used to assess: (1) what the students perceived was included and involved with science; (2) how the students connected their school science experiences to their daily…

Uses ideas about nature held by four high school science teachers to illustrate how any abstract notion of a scientific worldview does not adequately describe the perspectives of scientifically knowledgeable individuals such as competent secondary school science teachers. Effective science education helps students develop an understanding of…

Introduces a curriculum model for teaching physical science to the pre-service elementary school teacher entitled "Powerful Ideas in Physical Science (PIPS)". This model was developed by members of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and is inquiry-based, hands-on, and discrepant-event based. (Author/MM)

Investigations of scientific concepts using inquiry can be included in the traditional college lecture. This lesson uses the Learning Cycle to demonstrate therapeutic drug range, a basic concept in pharmaceutical science. Students use graphing to discover patterns as a part of data analysis and interpretation of provided investigation data.…

Describes a program created by the Nebraska Earth Science Education Network (NESEN) called "Students and Teachers Exchanging Data, Information and Ideas (STEDII)" for K-12 audiences that emphasizes data collection mixed with weather education. Compares and contrasts the vision for STEDII from NESEN's and the participant teachers' points of view.…

Reports and interprets the rankings of Rodger Bybee's 12 global-environmental issues/threats by first and second year engineering students (n=175) at the Technical University of Krakow, Poland. Results indicate that personal experience with local environmental issues are the most important determinant for ranking global environmental threats.…

Suggests that Kuhn's and Lakatos' schemes for the philosophy of science have been pervasive metaphors for conceptual change approaches to the learning and teaching of science, and have been used both implicitly and explicitly to provide an organizing framework and justification matrix for those perspectives. Describes four alternative perspectives…

Reports on a study designed to illustrate the need for self-regulated learning when using the Internet for education. Two alternate forms of an on-line instructional web site containing the same information were developed. Results indicated that typical learner characteristics were not road blocks to on-line learning. (Author/MM)

Studies the effect of gender on a computer-based approach to solving stoichiometric chemical equations. Implies that the feedback provided by the software might have had an effect on reducing the gender gap. However, upon closer examination, the results showed that the correctness means for males were higher than that for females, and the rate of…

Uses two sources to derive insight into student-student interaction in science classrooms. Describes then uses cooperative learning and systemic functional linguistics to analyze a transcript of student-student interaction from an elementary school science classroom. Discusses implications for improving teaching practice with particular emphasis…