Examines the perceptions of male and female scientists (n=18) concerning their experiences in achieving and maintaining a career within the scientific community and their views on the nature of science. Finds that women perceived many more barriers to careers in science than did men. Contains 27 references. (Author/WRM)

Examines whether secondary science teachers in England give students opportunities to develop and rehearse the skills of argumentation during their lessons. Finds that classroom discourse was largely teacher-dominated and tended not to foster the reflective discussion of scientific issues. Contains 43 references. (Author/WRM)

Considers assumptions implicit within Western science-education research and practices. Argues that Western science underpins science teaching and that other world views are not foregrounded. Claims that the notion of "alternative views" positions knowledge construction in other cultures in ways that do not permit different world views or…

Suggests a new approach to teaching about biochemical cellular processes by stimulating student interest in those biochemical processes that allowed for the outcomes of modern biotechnologies. Discusses the development of students' ability to ask meaningful questions about intra-cellular processes, and the resulting meaningful learning of relevant…

Reports on a pilot investigation into the perceptions of graduate teachers (n=9) of their science teaching during their first 18 months as educators. Emergent themes relate to the teachers' perceived self-confidence in teaching science, and to school influences such as collegial support, resources, and the perceived importance of science in the…

Reports on the Iowa Project, a broad effort in 20 school districts where a Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach was emphasized through a constructivist philosophy of teaching and learning. Results indicate the project's success in four areas: strengthening teacher confidence and knowledge base, encouraging teachers' use of innovative…

Reports on procedural and conceptual knowledge for solving a basic quantitative problem in chemistry by expert and novice secondary school students. Concludes that the major differences between experts and novices lay in conceptual understanding, use of a qualitative procedure, and the type of strategy used. Suggests some instructional techniques…

Describes the Flexible Learning Approach to Physics (FLAP) teaching resource and the project's implementation and evaluation at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Reports that FLAP delivers many of the expected benefits, with significant gains in the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning. Contains 21 references.…

Describes children's interactions with exhibits and each other in a school-based, science-focused mini-museum. Suggests that although children did appear to make some gains in their learning and scientific skills and processes, the largest gains were made in the development of positive attitudes towards science. Contains 22 references. (Author/WRM)

Discusses theoretical ways in which science-teacher inservices and training could be phased through time for maximum effect. Criticizes existing theories in light of the experience of the Primary Science Program in South Africa and proposes a synthesis model for inservice phasing. Contains 31 references. (Author/WRM)

Reports on a case study of meaningful science learning in two African-American female high school students. Finds that complex cultural factors that permit cognitive passivity, confidence-without-competence, and attention to behavior over learning contribute to cognitive disengagement and ultimately to the blocking of intentional, meaningful…

Reports on preference patterns among gender and age groups for school-science topics and learning experiences among respondents chosen to be nationally representative of Scottish primary and secondary pupils. Finds that girls have a stronger preference for biological topics than boys. Concludes that much of what goes on in science classrooms is…

Explores changes in students' (n=250) thinking about basic chemical ideas during a context-based curricular approach. Suggests that 16- to 18-year-old students enter chemistry courses with a wide range of misunderstandings about chemical reactions, but understanding improves steadily as the course progresses. Concludes that even misunderstandings…

Investigated students' metaphors for themselves as learners in an 11th-grade chemistry classroom. Discovered that students' metaphors were congruent with their views of learning and learning processes as evidenced by multiple data sources. Argues that students' metaphors can provide valuable information for practicing teachers and researchers who…

Reports on the effects of constructivist versus traditional teaching approaches on university students' learning about osmosis and diffusion. Students understood diffusion and osmosis more deeply in the constructivist-informed classroom, which used small discussion groups rather than traditional large lecture groups. Suggests ways to improve…