Examines what can be done to reintroduce content and process instruction from the earth sciences into the world's science curricula, especially at the secondary level. The earth system provides a conceptual theme as opposed to a disciplinary theme for organizing such integrated curricula, absent from prior efforts. (LZ)

Explores, in the context of a debate about velocity from the author's high school physics class, how a perspective of students as having epistemological beliefs might influence a teacher's perceptions of students and intentions for instruction. (LZ)

Investigates scientific reasoning skills used by students in a naturalistic collaborative writing context and changes in students' reasoning discourse over time. Findings suggest that an understanding of socially constructed scientific reasoning skills is important for designing meaningful collaborative activities and assessments in science. (LZ)

In seeking to explain why the vulnerability of women to leaving science majors greatly exceeds that of men, the author draws upon the findings of a three-year, ethnographic study of factors contributing to high undergraduate attrition rates among men and women of different ethnicities on seven campuses. (LZ)

Conducted an ethnography to evaluate the usefulness of the notion of community of practice in classroom settings. Documents how collectively available knowledge of a classroom community was transformed as resources and practices were adopted by more and more members. Discusses implications for the organization of classroom environments that…

Observed visitors (n=154) to a science museum discovery space as they interacted freely with the exhibits. Reports that attraction levels were highest for exhibits with concrete presentations, holding power was highest for exhibits with high interaction and concrete presentation, and engagement levels were highest for high interaction exhibits.…

Developed and tested the Safety Simulator, a new assessment of science teachers' knowledge of school lab safety management based on Interactive Videodisc Technology. Reports that reliability of scores for the four different categories of lab safety (physical facilities, chemicals, lab techniques, and students' behavior) were found to be moderate…

Investigated the appropriateness of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) for elementary school students. Reports that children expanded their repertoire of graph-making and interpreting skills and MBLs supported scientific inquiry for and by the children. (28 references) (Author/JRH)

Addresses the need for and the problem of organizing a science curriculum around contextual settings and science stories that serve to involve and motivate students to develop an understanding of the world that is rooted in the scientific and humanistic traditions. Presents a conceptual development model and a proposed program of activities. (76…

Argues that a multiscience perspective on science education affords richer implications for reflection and practice than does multiculturalism. Recognizes the existence of various types of science at play in all science classrooms, especially personal science, indigenous science, and Western modern science. Discusses implications for curriculum…

Examines how problem solving in the domain of Mendelian genetics proceeds in situations where solvers' mental models are insufficient to solve problems at hand (model-revising problem solving). The study addressed the heuristics characteristic of successful model-revising problem solving and other aspects of student model use. (LZ)

A historically rich teaching intervention was developed for biological evolution with the intent of promoting a conceptual change from students' initial understanding to a more Darwinian understanding. Results from evaluation of the intervention indicate promise in the use of historical materials in conjunction with a conceptual change strategy.…

Identifies the attitudes of secondary school students toward several science-related topical areas (i.e., nuclear energy, environmental issues, energy concepts, science concepts, space exploration, and metrication) for the purpose of enhancing students' attitudinal development toward science-related topical areas. Discusses respondents attitude…

Presents the view that "developmental research" is needed in which small-scale curriculum development is cyclically coupled to in-depth classroom research of teaching-learning processes. Such "didactical" research methodology should result in worked-out examples of successful ways of teaching, according to new conceptual curriculum structures. (LZ)

A long-standing goal of science education is teaching students to be intellectually independent of scientific experts. This article proposes that this goal be abandoned as impossible to attain, and that it be replaced by a goal of intellectual communalism between scientists and nonscientists. (LZ)