Illustrates an approach to research-based teaching strategies and their evaluation. Addresses a teaching sequence on the superposition of electric fields implemented at the college level in an institutional framework subject to severe constraints. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

Describes an approach to teaching the conceptually demanding topic of fluids which focuses on promoting student teachers' continual evolution toward a suggested scientific model. Discusses the approach in detail. Contains 45 references. (DDR)

Investigates whether and how collaborative learning at the computer fosters conceptual change. Employs a suite of computer-simulation programs developed to confront students' alternative conceptions in mechanics. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Reports on a study of a physics class in which few interactions occur among students. Concludes, through observations and interviews. that students describe both the social and physical world in different ways. Contains 33 references. (DDR)

Focuses on students' understanding of electric circuits. Findings suggest that children's interpretive frameworks of electric circuits are reflected in the specificity of the details, consistency, and coherence of their understanding. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Reports on four models that show a possible pattern of progression that may be related to individual acquisition of conceptual knowledge about electricity. Contains 45 references. (DDR)

Explores potential answers to the question, How do we best ensure adequate and appropriate science instruction at the elementary level? Outlines, through an examination of scientific literacy, the attributes needed in a teacher for effective science instruction. Evaluates five delivery models for elementary science instruction. Concludes with a…

Reports on a study designed to (a) determine the effects of visually-enhanced, hands-on student instruction as compared with non-visually enhanced hands-on instruction, and (b) test the feasibility of using simple concept map-like structures as a means of determining student conceptual growth in a non-language dependent manner. Concludes that the…

Presents one way to use an organized approach to investigation in order to compare and contrast different paper towel brands for their absorption capabilities. Uses investigation procedures rather than formal experimentation procedures due to the nature of the investigation. (Author/MM)

Investigates three approaches to hands-on science learning in two contexts, an elementary science methods class and a secondary science methods class. Focused on an activity on foam. Concludes that when developing models for teaching science methods courses, methods instructors need to share power with prospective teachers. (Author/MM)

Nationwide dissemination of the Iowa Chautauqua Model for inservice professional development of K-12 science teachers has led to new professional development programs in many states. Discusses a formative evaluation of the implementation of the Collier Chautauqua Program (CCP) which focuses on teacher enhancement resulting from participation in…

Science department chairpersons created lists of tasks and benefits which would accrue to preservice teachers while they worked in the scientists' laboratories. Teachers agreed to a higher percentage than preservice teachers with the scientists as to what those benefits were. Recommendations include ways scientists and science educators can create…

Validates a Personal Internet Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Scale (PITEBS) using a sample of 389 inservice teachers who were participants in an Internet-based professional development project. The scale was then used to assess changes in self-efficacy beliefs among 155 participants in summer workshops. The PITEBS appears ready to be utilized for…

Describes the process of using collaborative technologies to team teach elementary science methods courses across three different institutions: a private liberal arts college, a small state university, and a large research university. Describes the project and the Internet-based collaborative technologies used at each site. (Author/MM)

Examines the relative effectiveness of the traditional lab method and the microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) for improving student understanding. Examines three areas of achievement: graphing interpretation skills, and interpreting motion graphs and understanding of motion. Results indicate that MBL laboratories are more effective than…