Describes an inquiry into education for environmental literacy by a group of secondary school science teachers in the UK. Using participatory action research approaches, explores ways of maintaining and enhancing the integrity of their subject discipline yet contributing to education for sustainable development. Teachers found that the approach…

Explores the relationship between the descriptive categories and structural characteristics of students' conceptions so that a theoretical framework may be developed to explain and predict students' alternative conceptions in science. The descriptive categories were developed through a process of coding, grouping, and labeling; the structural…

Explores student attitudes toward and expectations about a science methods course. Science-teaching skills associated with personal survival were prominent both in the expectations of the prospective teachers and in what they valued from such a course. Focus on personal concerns made a difference in the confidence with which teachers approach…

Examines the most common constraints preservice teachers perceive about teaching science, the locus of control for these constraints, and strategies for overcoming the five most common constraints so that teachers can resolve feelings of powerlessness. Constraints include time allotted, financial resources, curriculum standards, peer pressure to…

Reports on an innovative program that allowed preservice and classroom teachers to have personal experience with a constructivist approach to learning science. Preservice and classroom teachers collaborated to prepare, implement, and evaluate a simple hands-on science-teaching project that focused on learner acquisition of knowledge through active…

Examines how gender and self-concept relate to gifted elementary students' participation in a biochemistry enrichment program taught by female and male scientists. Students with low self-concepts asked more questions and received more feedback than students with high self-concepts. Student-initiated questions and gender differences in interaction…

Spatial aptitude tests designed for elementary school children were given to third-grade students from both suburban and rural schools in Pennsylvania. Results were scrutinized by the declared favorite subjects of the participants and organized by gender. Students who preferred science and mathematics did better on spatial tests than students who…

Four upper elementary teachers involved in Science, Technology and Society (STS) instruction through participation in a Leadership Institute in STS Education were examined for their views on teachers serving as models of responsible citizenship action. The teachers appeared to operate under the belief that teachers must practice what they preach…

Describes a study conducted in Israel that focuses on how studying industrial-chemistry case studies affects students' perceptions of their learning environment and their interest in chemistry studies. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Discusses the development and implementation of two case studies based on local chemical industries for the Israeli high school chemistry curriculum. Also includes two types of professional-development experiences. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Reports on research and educational findings using the Inventory of Cognitive Biases in Medicine (ICBM). The ICBM was administered to medical students as well as practicing physicians and susceptibility to cognitive bias was found to be substantial among both groups. Concludes that educational strategies in the classroom and clinical settings may…

Reflects on the merits of the Problem Based curriculum designed at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario nearly 30 years ago. This curriculum was a product influenced by the times in which it was used rather than by any educational theory. Concludes that it is necessary to edit the problems as well as any other course materials so as not to…

Reviews the advent of science in Africa and discusses the possibilities and implications of combining traditional African thought systems with Western science to develop an effective culture for Africa in the 21st century. Contains 62 references. (DDR)

Addresses the possible connection between misconceptions of energy in biological phenomena and adherence to scientifically oriented conceptions of biology. Makes recommendations for basing the biology curriculum on the second law of thermodynamics. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Identifies the conceptions of energy of preservice high school biology teachers. Findings indicate that this group of preservice teachers holds alternate conceptual frameworks when describing physical situations. Contains 35 references. (DDR)