Reports the results of a pilot study in a senior paper science and engineering class of an innovative instructional method designed to foster student problem solving and in-depth learning of material, namely student peer teaching. Reviews literature focusing on active learning methods and describes the method for student peer teaching. (Author/SAH)

Describes a method using small group and whole class discussions with guiding questions to enable teachers to construct successfully the concept of assumptions and develop a better appreciation of the nature and limitations of the process of scientific inquiry. (Author/SAH)

Presents a compilation of results from three studies conducted over a 5-year period to compare and contrast efficacy beliefs held by prospective and practicing teachers toward science and mathematics instruction. Offers recommendations for teacher education programs. (Author/SAH)

A questionnaire of 19 questions given to a total of 433 students in college preservice training for future high school teachers showed that science and nonscience majors held a series of misconceptions on several central topics in basic astronomy. (Author)

Addresses the use of mathematics when studying the physics of electromagnetism. Focuses on common electromagnetic concepts and their associated mathematical representation and arithmetical tools. Concludes that most students do not understand the significant aspects of physical situations and have difficulty using relationships and models specific…

Illustrates how a novel problem of chemical equilibrium based on a closely related sequence of items can facilitate students' conceptual understanding. Students were presented with a chemical reaction in equilibrium to which a reactant was added as an external effect. Three studies were conducted to assess alternative conceptions. (Author/SAH)

Explores a new Web-based curriculum idea of having students write and publish critical "reviews" of scientific resources. Presents content analyses of 41 source documents and 63 critical reviews published by 11th grade students in a project-based science class. Analyzes two aspects of student-written critical evaluation, organization evaluation…

Points out difficult issues for program evaluation when information and computer technology (ICT) is a component of major school reform. Describes two basic procedures to assist program developers and evaluators in gaining control of such complex interventions in education. (Author/YDS)

Introduces the Amazing Space program which is designed to enhance student mathematics, science, and technology skills using recent data and results from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Hubble Space Telescope mission. Explains the process of designing multi-media resources in a five-week summer workshop that partners…

Introduces the MicroObservatory Network of automated telescopes which is designed to provide access to classroom teachers who wish their students to conduct projects over the World Wide Web. Allows students to take pictures with remote pointing and focusing telescopes. Encourages collaboration among schools. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/YDS)

Visualizes the future of learning and considers current and new paradigms concerning technology and learning. Recommends high interactive tutorial learning for very large numbers of students in distance learning situations. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the characteristics and values of hypermedia for learning chemistry. Reports on how a hypermedia environment was used to explore a group of 11th grade chemistry students' conceptions of table salt dissolving in water. Indicates that a hypermedia environment can be used to explore, negotiate, and assess students' conceptions of…

Discusses science educators' interest in Web-based learning (WBL). Provides a classification scheme by which scientifically-oriented educational websites can be evaluated for content level. Presents an example of site evaluation in the field of atomic structure and discusses the potential embedded in this taxonomy to assist the web site developer,…

Introduces a web site designed to teach descriptive chemistry through testing. (YDS)

Introduces an online zoology course that was offered primarily to upper elementary and middle school teachers in which teachers were expected to take action to help the local amphibian population. (Author/YDS)