Secondary physics students were interviewed to determine their expectations/actions in laboratory work. Results indicate preference for laboratory activities because such exercises help students remember, are less confusing, and more concrete. Use of the laboratory as an introduction to a concept, followed by discussion, was a key component to…

Discusses development and use of an aquatic studies conceptual scheme which has been used in the Project COAST (Coastal, Oceanic and Aquatic Studies) at the University of Delaware. Sample concepts and results from field testing of the curriculum are included. (DH)

Critical shortages in science and mathematics teacher education enrollment at Black colleges and universities are discussed. Questionnaire results from Black colleges (N=47) are used to compare bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees awarded to Blacks in various fields. (DH)

Lakatos's methodology of scientific research programs is summarized and discussed for Piagetian schools and alternative conceptions movement. Commonalities/differences between these two rival programs are presented along with fundamental assumptions, auxiliary hypotheses, and research policy. Suggests that research findings should not be merely…

Determined if there are certain propositions that physics students (N=31) share with respect to a topic, to what extent is a student's knowledge on a subject idiosyncratic, and if there are different groups of students whose members share distinctive sets of propositions. Results are reported and discussed. (DH)

Three high school biology textbooks were analyzed to determine possible sources of misconceptions and related learning problems associated with genetics. Misconceptions were examined in these categories: conceptual organization; conceptual relations; use of terminology; and mathematical elements. Implications for instruction related to each…

Concept maps and structured/clinical interviews were completed by 25 fourth graders and 25 college freshmen to determine knowledge of the human circulatory system. Students (N=945) at various levels were then measured for misconception frequencies. Student preconceptions appear to be tenacious, but confrontation strategies may assist fundamental…

Describes a program in which teenage students serve as the explainers of the displays in a museum. Reports on a study designed to determine whether such programs can significantly affect students' social development, their attitudes toward science, and their interest in science, teaching, and museums. (TW)

Discusses the history of American science and science education, with particular emphasis on the development of scientific inquiry and experimentation. Focuses primarily on the activities of individuals in the 1800's, and the introduction of science into secondary schools and higher education institutions in the early 1900's. (TW)

Aims to clarify the relationship between science education and the science-technology-society (STS) theme and to develop a justification for the inclusion of the STS theme. Examines the current debate over definitions in science education, and provides an historical perspective of science education's purpose as a social institution. (TW)

Discusses the development of a student's ability to control experiments as an important aim of modern science curriculum materials. Argues that most curriculum developers offer only a simplistic method of controlling variables. Suggests ways to enhance the development of variable control within the framework of student experiments. (TW)

Discusses the trend toward job displacement in the United States as a result of technological advancements. Considers the need for science education for the millions of out-of-school adult workers. Challenges the science education community to address this need in a timely manner. (TW)

Describes a specially designed preparatory course in science and mathematics for relatively "unprepared" adult students in Israel. Compares the achievements of these students with the achievements of those identified as "prepared" according to their formal education and qualifications. (TW)

Reports on a study of teacher education programs for science teachers in New England. Focuses on data regarding the amount and types of science content and secondary science methods courses, program emphasis in science content, science processes and methods, science teaching techniques, and effectiveness of science preparation. (TW)

Reports on a study to test the validity of the assumption that a teacher's conception of the nature of science directly influences his/her classroom behavior. Recommends a redirection in science education to promote more adequate conceptions of the nature of science in secondary schools. (TW)