Science educators are encouraged to avoid the temptation to select just one view of science and construct science programs around its inevitable prejudices. Author suggests that education departments should emphasize philosophy and the history of science. (15 references) (PR)

Discusses trends in teaching about the nature of science in England. Two themes characterize teaching the nature of science; one concerns reflection on school experiment, and the other is about reflecting on aspects of scientific theory at different ages. (PR)

Reviews the literature concerning problem solving in science education. Authors contend that the adoption of a forward-looking viewpoint of science has increased the attention given to the topics of discovery and problem-solving behavior. Authors conclude that research by philosophers of science on models and problem solving include insights to…

Describes a study of textbooks and classroom practice that examines how science is portrayed to high school students. Concludes there is an overemphasis of the factual base of science. Failure of teachers to characterize scientific knowledge as tentative, and scientific work as creative, are identified as problems. Suggests changes be made in…

Describes a study of beliefs and knowledge about the history and philosophy of science possessed by 13 college graduates in a teacher education program. From the use of a questionnaire and interviews, the author concluded that most beginning teachers had almost no knowledge of or coursework in the history or philosophy of science. (PR)

Presents a review of the literature concerning integrating the history and nature of science and technology in science and social studies curricula. Areas reviewed include the importance of these concepts in education, their place in the current curriculum, and efforts at integrating these concepts. (over 50 references) (PR)

This special journal issue presents a review of science education research in 1989. This summary of research is organized around 14 themes: achievement in science, affect, classroom interactions, cognitive processes, computers, curriculum, instruction, legislation and policy, misconceptions, scientific literacy, teachers, tests and assessments,…

This journal issue, presenting review of 1990 science education research, is divided into categories, including among others Conceptual Change and Achievement; Problem Solving; Science Process/Inquiry Skills; Cognitive Development and Logical Reasoning Skills; Assessment and Research Design; the Nature of Science; Science, Technology, and Society;…

Forty-six students enrolled in a high school physics course participated in a study designed to portray student views on, and understanding of, collaborative concept mapping. Students demonstrated a good understanding of concept maps and emphasized their usefulness as a learning tool. (56 references) (ZWH)

Presents a summary of models and methods of attitude research which are embedded in the theoretical tenets of social psychology and in the broader framework of constructivism. Focuses on the construction of social reality rather than the construction of physical reality. Models include theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, and…

Reviews the following topics: (1) family group interactions, time allocation, and agendas in informal science settings; and (2) family learning in informal science settings. Contains an extensive list of implications for informal science setting practitioners and provides insights to researchers attempting to study science learning in more formal…

Fifteen students participated in a study designed to document the curriculum processes that influenced the meanings associated with the content studied by a secondary environmental science class. Uses entropy to illustrate what was learned about the curriculum processes that shaped the meaning of content in the science class studied. (ZWH)

Examines the issue of validity in action research and how it affects methodology. (ZWH)

Uses alternative theoretical lenses, methodological approaches, and sources of information to seek insights on the aggregate of factors currently influencing a reconceptualization of education in the sciences. Concludes that reform should be based on the dynamics of contemporary society, the characteristics of today's adolescents, and a…

Nine sixth-grade students were asked to identify plants by their common names. In the event that students did not know the correct response, researchers observed a variety of avoidance strategies. The study demonstrated that students at the elementary level should be introduced to the concept of genus before more abstract levels of the botanical…