Presents 3 examples of tables that can be used with year-11 and year-12 chemistry students: (1) steps and explanations in the production of aluminum; (2) similarities and differences of electrochemical and electrolytic cells; and (3) properties and their explanations: ionic solids. (MKR)

Eighteen year-11 physics students were taught heat and expansion of liquids using a predict-observe-explain sequence. Argues that the data demonstrate how students' prior knowledge and beliefs can affect their observations and interpretations of new learning. (Author/MKR)

Compares and contrasts the use of animals in English secondary schools and Australian high schools. Changes in animal usage in English schools over the last decade are described as are the influences that the National Curriculum in England has had on such work. Implications are indicated for Australian and English biology teachers. (Author/MKR)

Examines the contribution that the teaching of controversial issues could make to student learning in the science classroom. Discusses the nature of controversial issues, some general guidelines for handling them, and various classroom techniques that might foster open-ended problem solving using small group discussion. (Author/MKR)

Provides details of a science teacher inservice model centered around the methodology of problem solving and ownership of outcomes associated with an issue or problem. Describes perceptions of the program by staff and participants. (Author/MKR)

Identifies 6 types of misleading labels in the drawings of 12 biology textbooks. (Author/MKR)

Describes an approach for teaching with analogies in secondary science classes and gives an example using the three states of matter. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes acid-base titration experiments using the computer. (MKR)

Writing can be seen as a tool to be manipulated by students to access, construct, and evaluate knowledge. Many students will finish six years of high school science education quite ill-equipped for the literacy demands of college. This paper highlights a genre approach to language adopted by a literacy program. (20 references) (Author/MKR)

A number of less-usual approaches to work in biology education are discussed and illustrated. The approaches include a range of nontraditional writing activities, drawing, and model making. A rationale for such work is given and criticism leveled at these activities reviewed. Examples are drawn from the work of pupils aged 11 to 16 years.…

Technological devices are often used by science teachers to illustrate scientific principles in a way that implies that the devices are simple products of science. The refrigerator is used as an example of a device for which science offers an explanation of its workings, but this should not be seen as the reason why it exists. (15 references)…

Describes a procedure for ascertaining secondary students' misconceptions about concepts relating to astronomy. Summarizes results that indicate the usefulness of the approach and the range and extent of the misconceptions which could be revealed. Makes suggestions about how to use the technique in such a way that the findings will challenge the…

Studies of mitochondrial DNA imply that modern humans arose in Africa 150,000 years ago and spread throughout the world, replacing all prior human groups. But many paleontologists see continuity in human fossils on each continent and over a much longer time. Modeling may help test these alternatives. (Author/MKR)