Investigates the effects of students' prior knowledge on the scientific reasoning processes of performing the task of controlling variables with computer simulation and identifies a number of problems that students encounter in scientific discovery. Involves (n=27) 5th grade students and (n=33) 7th grade students. Indicates that students' prior…

Introduces students to problem solving strategies in the form of step-by-step guides to follow in problem solving practice. Assumes that students could pinpoint the difficulty specifically using this guide, which would result in positive effects on students' recognition and expression of their own questions. Uses traditional and worksheet-based…

Analyzes students' achievement in earth science on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat (TIMSS-R) which was given in 1999 with 38 nations participating. Compares Korean 8th grade students' achievement in earth science with those of other countries and other content areas in science. Presents the results of item analysis and…

Describes how parental involvement is considered a remedy for many educational problems by educators. Conducts meta-analysis to synthesize the quantitative literature on the relationship between parental involvement and gifted development. Concludes that internal effects for gifted development have a stronger relationship than parents'…

Investigates the effect of decision-making activities on improving decision-making abilities to meet bioethical issues in everyday situations. Uses worksheets for decision making that consists of six steps. Concludes that the resulting scores on decision-making were increased by the activities of the worksheets. (Contains 31 references.)…

Presents an empirical examination of the effectiveness of free response items in comparison with multiple choice items. Uses Item Response Theory (IRT) framework and shows that free response items were appropriate for students with high science ability. Reports that free response items estimated students' science ability more accurately than…

Compares and analyzes three different measures of creativity in (n=135) gifted and (n=161) normal students to understand the nature of creativity and propose guidelines for measuring creativity. Uses Torrance Test of Creativity Thinking (TTCT), Test of Creative Problem Solving and Finding in Science (CPFS), and Creative Behavior Checklist in…

Mathematics, albeit a socio-cultural creation that is mutable and fallible, is a body of knowledge, the objectivity of which is independent of origin or social acceptance. The inclusion of logical necessity in an attempt to elaborate on the objectivity of mathematics is a U-turn. (SAH)

Elaborates on a framework based on the reconstruction of developments that lead to the formulation of the laws of definite and multiple proportions. Ascertains students' views of these laws and formulates criteria based on the framework for evaluating the treatment of the laws in chemistry textbooks. Provides a rationale for chemistry teachers to…

Investigates the difficulties students are confronted with when facing the concept of electrical resistance. Discusses the nature of the electrical resistance concept in light of Cassirer philosophy and its origin in the 19th century. Presents an analysis of the way this concept is taught in French high schools. (SAH)

Elucidates some aspects of Newton's theory of light and colors, specifically as presented in his first optical paper in 1672. Analyzes Newton's main experiments intended to show that light is a mixture of rays with different refrangibilities. (SAH)

Presents an analysis of the contents of 19th century Spanish textbooks. These textbooks are centered on imponderable fluids, the concept of energy, the mechanical theory of heat, and the kinetic theory of gases. (SAH)

Describes an experimental course in optics for 10th grade high school students. The course incorporates those historical ideas, views, and conceptions that constituted the early understanding of light and vision. Presents a part of the course which assesses its impact on students' views about science and some related technological and cultural…

Discusses a way of introducing a scientific controversy that emphasizes objective aspects of such issues as multiple theoretical interpretation of phenomena, choosing a theory, and insistence on the chosen theory. The goal is to give students a better insight into the workings of science and provide guidelines for building theories in their own…

Utilizes the rich data collected in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) to unveil the current conditions of history, philosophy, and sociology of science in science education in approximately 40 TIMSS countries. Provides recommendations based on analysis results to science educators around the world. (Author/SAH)