Reports on the Scientific Reasoning Series--10 computer programs that make the nature of scientific reasoning accessible to a wider group of students. The aim of this material is to make improvements in scientific reasoning for all students over 10 years of age. The programs are highly interactive and are motivationally strong. About 20 hours of…

In this two-year study with elementary teachers, using a supplemental science instructional resource, "Superscience," it was found that teachers' internal beliefs about what will benefit their students are linked to the external constraints of their students' interests and the expected curriculum. Teachers were not likely to use the material if…

Outlines the significant influence of constructivism in contemporary science and mathematics education and emphasizes the central role that epistemology plays in constructivist theory and practice. It is claimed that constructivism is basically a variant of old-style empiricist epistemology, which has its origins in Aristotle's individualist and…

Suggests using general system theory as a unifying theoretical framework for science and technology education for all. Five reasons are articulated: the multidisciplinary nature of systems theory, the ability to engage complexity, the capacity to describe system dynamics, the ability to represent the relationship between microlevel and…

Aspects of science background knowledge and attitudes toward teaching science were examined among preservice elementary teachers (n=167). The results indicated a low level of science knowledge, a negative relationship between science knowledge and attitude toward teaching science, and a marked lack of confidence toward teaching science among the…

The Image Processing for Teaching project provides a powerful medium to excite students about science and mathematics, especially children from minority groups and others whose needs have not been met by traditional teaching. Using professional-quality software on microcomputers, students explore a variety of scientific data sets, including…

Results of a HyperCard method for assessing the performance of expert and novice high school chemistry students solving stoichiometric chemistry problems (balancing chemical equations) is reported. MANOVA results indicate significant difference between expert and novice students solving the five stoichiometric chemistry problems using…

Describes the programs and goals of the Quality Education for Minority Network, a project dedicated to improving education for five minority groups: African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Mexican Americans, and Puerto Ricans. (PR)

Discusses legal issues that may arise as schools begin to provide internet access to K-12 students. A key concern is that students may be exposed to material that parents or teachers find inappropriate. (PR)

Describes Project 2061 of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a long-term initiative for systemic reform of K-12 education in science, mathematics, and technology. (PR)

Discusses science education reform and the pivotal role of the science teacher in the process. (MDH)

Describes the Project on Scope, Sequence, and Coordination of Secondary School Science (SS&C). Discusses the design of a reform in science education, the use of student metaphors and analogies in explaining phenomena, student motivation, and student performance-based assessment in the SS&C project. (MDH)

Describes National Science Foundation efforts to support the work of educators and technologists in building national communications-based infrastructures in education. Explains educational needs and technological opportunities; characterizes the current status of educational networking; identifies challenges in laying a national computer network;…

Analyzes the applicability to mathematics and science education of geographic information systems. Gives examples of possible applications involving aerosol detection in the atmosphere, verification of satellite images, and the Kidnet Project. Sketches out a research agenda and describes needed characteristics of the software when applied to…

Describes the three phases of ENLIST Macros, a teacher development program to help science teacher improve their use of microcomputers. Discusses the results of a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Presents eight recommendations to help achieve program objectives. (MDH)