Presents two taxonomies that offer a relatively comprehensive categorization scheme for future studies of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) development in teacher education. "The General Taxonomy of PCK" addresses distinctions within and between the knowledge bases of various disciplines, science subjects, and science topics. "The Taxonomy of…

Describes the context and support structures involved in the implementation of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded professional development program designed to train elementary teachers to use exemplary science curriculum materials. Identifies components for the successful implementation of systemic reform efforts including purposeful…

Describes open-ended experiments with seeds from the common garden radish (Raphanus sativus). The phases of the 5-E learning cycle--Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Extension, and Evaluation--guide this activity series. (Author/MM)

Argues that education reform cannot be limited to what goes on in the classroom. Contends that innovation does not inevitably lead to change until and unless the innovators take back control over factors exogenous to the classroom, factors such as pre-college selection, outside testing, accreditation requirements, and class size. (Author/WRM)

Describes an introductory undergraduate astronomy course in which the large-lecture format was moved to one in which students were immersed in a technologically-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment. Finds that virtual reality can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool through which students can…

Argues that understanding how all things on the planet are connected and how one action affects many aspects of an intricate web can contribute to the ability to make informed choices that help to ensure quality of life. Presents background information and resources for learning about the new paradigm of Education for Sustainability. (Contains 19…

Describes two teacher education projects that invited teacher educators to consider the imperatives of education for sustainability, to critique, trial, and share their work, and to interact with members of the international and national community in order to find ways of addressing the global crisis of education, environment, and sustainability.…

Describes general curriculum design principles and specific software design implementations resulting from an ongoing collaboration between software designers and programmers, researchers, and a classroom teacher and his students. Traces the development of E-Lab software in the context of the principles that emerged during the design process.…

Examines a three-month software design activity in which mixed teams of girls and boys designed and implemented multimedia astronomy resources for younger students. Finds that the configuration of social, physical, and cognitive spaces in the project environment contributed to a positive change in girls' level of access. Discusses implications for…

Describes students' perceptions of a unique learning environment at a large Midwestern high school. Most students reported a positive experience and described the classroom as fun and exciting with real world relevance. However, findings also indicate that several students did not share these views and many students were not successful. (Contains…

Contrasts spontaneous and reflective knowledge integration instruction delivered using a computer learning environment to enhance understanding of displaced volume. Distinguishes the impact of instruction on students who believed scientific phenomena are governed by principles (cohesive beliefs) versus students who believed that science is a…

Hypothesizes that the construction of visual models, resolution of these visual models with numeric models and, in many cases, rejection of commitments such as the belief in one true velocity, are necessary for students to form integrated mental models of relative motion events. Studies high school students' relative motion problem solving.…

Uses a Web-based assessment environment to measure students' environmental awareness and data analyses skills as part of an evaluation of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. Analysis of student responses who were identified as either high or low GLOBE implementers to the tasks revealed that the students…

Presents the application of decision-theoretic technique to a computer-based tutoring system for elementary mechanics. Uses sound probabilistic reasoning and a student model to identify learners' misconceptions. Focuses on the integration of Bayesian belief networks, item response theory, decision analysis, and database management systems in…

Discusses the importance of assessment of materials on the World Wide Web that may be freely accessible to both instructors and students. Evaluates web sites that cover the periodic table in terms of content and design. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)