Reports on an exploratory study of how people see and explain a prominent exhibit (Tornado) at an interactive science museum (the Exploratorium). Data was assembled using a novel, technically mediated activity system (Video Traces). Argues that Video Traces is an effective tool and discusses an expanded Video Traces system. (Author/DKM)

A critical incident approach was used to analyze the discourse which took place during a visit by a class of 8- and 9-year olds to a gallery concerned with food at the Science Museum in London. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation are discussed. Suggests that a critical incident approach may be more generally helpful in analyzing the…

Although museums are considered optimal venues for informal learning, this study concludes that most school classes visiting museums are restricted and structured, teachers use mainly task-orientated teaching practices, and the museum activities are rarely linked to topics being studied at school. A research-based framework to guide teachers in…

Describes the role of research in designing ScienceWorks, an innovative gallery at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The gallery was constructed on the basis of existing and new research on how children think and learn about science. The gallery is atypical in several respects but perhaps most fundamentally in its overarching agenda to foster…

Analyzes the absence of science-technology-society (STS) interactions and its consequences in the basic teaching of science in Spain. Proposes the introduction of STS interactions in physics and chemistry classes in conjunction with the teaching/learning model of science as research. Surveys students 16-18 years of age on their interest in physics…

Examines the research literature on conceptual change, analyzes the different uses of the term, and discusses six other issues that have emerged from this literature. Outlines a multidimensional framework for considering conceptual change events in the classroom and attempts to synthesize various perspectives of contemporary conceptual change…

Focuses on two of the principal issues for science curriculum developers who wish to introduce the history and philosophy of science into science teaching along with the justification for and the placement of historical materials within teachers' work schemes. Proposes a new model for inclusion of such material that directly addresses children's…

Reports on a study of 14-15 year old students' ideas about combustion. Describes patterns of students' explanations across a range of questions and analyzes them to gain insight into both the degree of consistency of their explanations and how this may affect the process of conceptual change in the students. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores common schemes used by Spanish 10-12th grade students in concrete and abstract contextual situations to explain the internal structure of metals, the causes of electric conduction of metals, and the nature of this current. Concludes that students' conceptions change progressively as they are exposed to additional relevant information in…

Analyzes current examples of the integration of academic and occupational curriculum in science and technology education in light of issues developed in two historical failures. Discusses the differential status of academic and applied science, the importance of support from groups such as industry and postsecondary institutions, and the lack of…

Presents a model of conceptual change from a social constructivist perspective by examining the fallacious argumentation and discourse patterns revealed by students as they form scientific and social judgments. Provides a framework that will allow science educators to examine samples of thought related to social thinking. (Contains 47 references.)…

In 2001, the Australian Government released a report, commissioned by the then Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, entitled "The Status and Quality of Teaching and Learning of Science in Australian Schools" (Goodrum, Hackling, & Rennie, 2001). Its recommendations included actions to address raising community awareness of science…

The purpose of this document is to provide background to the text and recommended actions of the Australian School Science Education National Action Plan, 2007-2012. The first part presents a synthesis of the national and international research used to identify gaps and overlaps amongst activities related to school science education in …

There is ample evidence that in many countries school science is in difficulty, with declining student attitudes and uptake of science. This presentation argues that a key to addressing the problem lies in transforming teachers' classroom practice, and that pedagogical innovation is best supported within a school context. Evidence for effective…

Powerful geometric software has been available to education for around 20 years but has not had the impact on teaching and learning of mathematics, science and technology that might have been expected. This is in contrast to the widespread adoption of software tools in the world outside education which use geometric algorithms to produce visual…