Establishes an image of a science writer based on a synthesis of writing theory, models, and research literature on academic writing in science and other disciplines, and contrasts this image with an actual prototypical image of scientists as writers of science. Assesses scientists' writing habits, beliefs, strategies, and perceptions of…

Examines the long-term impact of the Summer Science Exploration Program (SSEP), a two-week, inquiry-based science camp conducted at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA from 1992-1994. Aims to stimulate greater interest in science and scientific careers among middle-school students. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores the perceptions, ideas, and understanding about science of the staff and adult visitors to an interactive science center. Involves (n=63) staff and (n=102) visitors through interviews and a survey. Suggests that visitors to the science center have a positive experience and most of them recognize a change in the way they think about…

Reports on a 4-year study examining teachers' concerns in implementing writing-to-learn strategies within science classrooms based on using a model of writing-to-learn. Describes in detail two teachers' participation in an ongoing in-service program to develop pedagogical practices to support writing-to-learn strategies. Central issues for the two…

Attempts to better understand scientific competence and how it is acquired. Interviews 10 associates at a company that produces unique technical products. Although none of the 10 had obtained degrees beyond high school, they all engaged in highly technical work that would be typical of practicing engineers. Associates describe their learning of…

Case studies were constructed for four prospective teachers who were purposely selected as a result of their scores on the Classroom Learning Environment Survey (CLES) to gain a better understanding of emerging constructivist beliefs and classroom practices. Finds two kinds of beliefs, central beliefs defined as those dictating subsequent teaching…

Focuses on whether (and if so to what extent) a multicultural approach to science education is compatible with a universalist conception of science. Concludes that the most defensible conception of science education is one in which it is conceived to be both multicultural and universal. (Author/MM)

Delineates a rationale for the study of teacher beliefs about issues of culture and its impact on science teaching and learning. Asserts three major categories of teacher beliefs to examine for designing teacher education programs that aim to meet the challenges of increasingly culturally diverse classrooms. Discuss implications for science…

Criticizes radical constructivism of the Glasersfeld type, pointing out some contradictions between the declared radical principles and their theoretical and practical development. Suggests the possibility of an ideological substratum in the construction and hegemonic success of subjective constructivism, and briefly advances an alternative…

After decades of research endorsing inquiry-based learning, at best only moderate success has been noted in creating effective systemic implementation in K-12 classrooms. Thus, teachers need to be better equipped in how to bring this transformation to their own classrooms. Changing beliefs and overcoming external obstacles encourages the use of…

In this article, we describe an innovative capstone course for preservice K-8 teachers integrating action research and a unifying theme in science (AAAS in Science for all Americans. Oxford University Press, New York, 1989; NRC in National science education standards. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1996). The goals of the capstone course…

Critiquing and adapting curriculum materials are essential teaching practices but challenging for many preservice teachers. This study explores the use of educative curriculum materials--materials intended to support both teacher and student learning--to help preservice elementary teachers develop their pedagogical design capacity for critiquing…

This mixed methodology action research study examined the impact of a curricular innovation designed to provide an authentic science inquiry learning experience for 15 secondary science teacher candidates enrolled in a master's level initial certification program. The class investigated the question "How can peak autumn color in New England be…

This study describes the influence of a secondary science methods program on secondary science preservice teachers' views and enactment of nature of science and inquiry-based instructional practices. Built into the structure of this program were three cycles of practice teaching and reflection in which the preservice teachers focused on key…

Standard 9 of the "National Science Teachers Association Standards for Science Teacher Preparation" is designed to ensure that science teacher preparation programs provide preservice science teachers with the knowledge and skills to understand and successfully engage students in a safe and ethical manner. This standard contains four components…