An 18-item, multiple choice, 2-tiered instrument designed to measure understanding of the learning cycle (ULC) was developed and field-tested from the learning cycle test (LCT) of Odom and Settlage ("Journal of Science Teacher Education, 7", 123-142, 1996). All question sets of the LCT were modified to some degree and 5 new sets were added,…

Conceptions of mentoring held by six mentors and six beginning science teachers in an alternative certification program were explored qualitatively by means of case studies and phenomenography. Interviews with the six mentors and six beginning teachers produced 379 statements that were grouped into six conceptual categories. The categories of…

A survey instrument using everyday teaching scenarios was developed to measure teacher conceptions of inquiry. Validity of the instrument was established by comparing responses for a group of secondary teachers to narrative writing and group discussion. Participating teachers used only three of the five essential features of inquiry detailed in…

Bioinformatics, merging biological data with computer science, is increasingly incorporated into school curricula at all levels. This case study of 10 secondary school students highlights student individual differences (especially the way they processed information and integrated procedural and analytical thought) and summarizes a variety of…

Distance education is a significant topic of discussion among faculty at all levels of education. This study produced evidence regarding the attitudes toward three distance education delivery modes for science professional development. The study involved 94 elementary school teachers who were participating in a professional development project.…

Much has been said about what science content students need to learn (e.g., "Benchmarks for Science Literacy, National Science Education Standards"). Less has been said about what science content teachers need to know to teach the content students are expected to learn. This study analyzed four standards documents and assessment frameworks to…

Preservice teachers in a K-8 science methods course used guided video reflection to examine their interactions with children during science teaching. This inquiry approach helped preservice teachers identify and respond to gaps between their beliefs and intentions about teaching all children and their enactment of those beliefs. The experience of…

The need to equip science teachers with knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to face the challenges of teaching science through inquiry informed this study, which analyzed the secondary science intern teachers' beliefs about inquiry before, during, and following a series of 2 consecutive science methods courses in an attempt to document the…

Within the framework of variation theory, 7- to 12-year-old students' ways of understanding cellular respiration and photosynthesis were investigated against the background of their teachers' teaching. Eighteen students were selected by the teachers and interviewed by the researcher. Lessons were observed and video recorded, and stimulated-recall…

Discusses the Partnership for Primary Science project which aimed to provide and promote continuous professional development in science and information communication technologies (ICT). Evidence suggests that teachers' science instruction and use of ICT rather than their understanding of science concepts underwent the most significant change.…

Examines how the science classroom can be organized so that pupils are able to develop their social and emotional skills which results in a greater interest in science lessons. Suggests that these strategies could help students get along better with each other, thus propagating greater willingness to empathize across cultures. (Contains 15…

Describes some elementary science and technology programs and what can be learned about them from the Internet. Discusses what is available from each. (Author/NB)

Investigates the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) when used as a supplement to classroom instruction to improve secondary school students' understanding of orbital shapes. Results indicate that the CAI approach enhanced student learning and helped them figure out cues portrayed in diagrams of atomic orbitals. (Contains 22 references.)…

Explains the benefits and strengths of having safety checklists in science laboratories. Presents a checklist that reflects important components of safety that address many situations in school laboratories. (NB)

Analyzes science education in the Caribbean and provides examples of science education policy and practice. Emphasizes large-scale national efforts in Barbados, Bermuda, and Jamaica. Discusses and provides recommendations for future directions in science education in these countries. (Contains 88 references.) (Author/NB)