Identifies and clarifies an interpretation of scientific discourse that can be used as a lens for viewing problems of teaching science. Discusses why reform visions for science education are reasonable, desirable, and yet problematic in lower track classrooms. Presents data to explain and characterize lower-track science-classroom discourse.…

Theorizes the learning orientations of beginning science teachers and how these orientations interact with the structure of teacher-education programs based on a case study of one preservice science teacher's reflections on his experiences during teacher preparation. Contains 23 references. (WRM)

Reviews the literature related to the specific needs of beginning science teachers. Features programs and practices designed to support beginning teachers. Contains 32 references. (WRM)

Examines the effects of using concept-mapping activities in a physical science class for elementary science teachers on physical science achievement, self-efficacy, and anxiety toward learning and teaching physical science. Discusses implications for teacher education. Contains 54 references. (WRM)

Reviews research and practice related to science-technology-society (STS) instruction. Focuses on STS-related instruments that reveal teacher and student beliefs about STS issues and teacher actions that result from those beliefs. Contains 58 references. (DDR)

Reviews some of the student competencies from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Argues that these competencies focus on data collection, analysis, and presentation and are easily integrated with science curriculum reform at the same grade levels. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Argues that two theoretical components of a model known as the Conceptual Change Model (CCM) are beneficial constructs for teachers to use when helping students negotiate scientific discourse. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Reports on the Quality University Elementary Science Teaching (QUEST) program. Focuses on changes in how teachers enable student conceptual understanding of science, how students modify their views of scientific inquiry during instruction, and how teachers value the use of technology in science instruction. Contains 42 references. (DDR)

Details an instructional approach to understanding another culture through the use of kits that enables children to learn at their own pace. This approach focuses on similarities among and between cultures and allows students to explore a variety of science concepts and understandings. (DDR)

Answers questions related to curriculum guides. Focuses on the definition of a curriculum guide, its purpose, and the role of such a guide in directing life in classrooms. Argues that a curriculum guide should not be an end product. (DDR)

Describes the Engineering Link Project for Year 11 students that might have an interest in engineering. It is a three-day course organized by teachers and conducted by engineers to give students the opportunity to test materials, design, construct, and try their own solutions to an engineering problem. (AIM)

Examines the constructivist theory of knowledge which basically proposes that knowledge is constructed in the mind of the learner. Particular emphasis is placed on how a shift can be made from someone who teaches to someone who facilitates learning in a classroom environment in which the students are active participants in the learning process.…

Focuses on recent clarifications of the nature of explanatory texts in science. Shows how a knowledge of the different organizational structures and language features of the various types of explanations can be used to enhance the use of reading and writing to learn. (AIM)

Examines the scientific concept of evaporation. Attempts to show how students develop their understanding through the levels of the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy. Shows how designing learning experiences to suit the learners' developmental stages in understanding a concept is paramount to the overall growth of the…

Presents a unit of hands-on activities that contains clues in a mystery that lead students to discover the mystery guest. Enables primary students to study an animal. (JRH)