Teachers need to assist students in understanding what they read in science textbooks. Presents effective reading as a basis for good problem solving skills. (DDR)

Reports on a pilot study investigating 22 11-13 year old students' preferences for and interests in using animation and video when viewing examples of melting, boiling, and dissolving. (Author/MM)

Focuses on a current research project that examines the measurement of learner characteristics (multiple intelligence, learning style, learner ability), learner perceptions of the classroom (constructivist learning environment survey and views about teaching and learning), and learner constructs. (Author/MM)

Performance on a multiple-choice item in a public examination indicates that most students do not understand how fat is absorbed through villi. A teaching strategy is suggested to overcome this problem by helping students review their own ideas critically. (Author/MM)

Describes the development of a security science degree as the emerging applied science of the protection of individuals and assets. Proposes the themes of physical, electronic, information security and facility management as scientific applications for the course. (Author/MM)

Explains how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) influences geography curricula and how project-based learning can be applied to GIS experiences. Introduces a project investigating non-geography college students' design and implementation of a environmental GIS application. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Introduces five approaches--problem solving/problem based learning, authentic assessment, writing and communication skills, peer and self evaluation, and fostering curiosity. Suggests that these approaches bring critical thinking to the learning process. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Introduces the Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF), a web-based forum targeting Indiana preservice and inservice teachers for the support of developing a better understanding of inquiry-based science and mathematics teaching. (YDS)

Presents research which sets out to establish two pictures: one of the ideal regarding the teaching and learning of science, the other of the reality of what is actually happening in Australian schools. Identifies issues and implications for science teachers and the profession. (MM)

Reports on a pilot survey of the authors of three sets of textbooks used in Australia and Canada, which have previously been shown to include a relatively high proportion of Indigenous and other minority groups' knowledges, cultures and sciences. Explores issues of voice and power in the production of textbooks. (MM)

Aims to provide insight into some of the factors that shape science news in the hope of facilitating judicious use of this resource in educational and other contexts. Examines the effects of journalism on public perception of science. (MM)

Provides a rationale for teaching about controversial issues in science and outlines the pedagogical approaches and types of learning activities that are likely to be successful. (MM)

Explores the reasons for the differences in alkali metal reactivity in water in terms of thermodynamics rather than ionization trends. Shows that differences in alkali metal reactivity with water are more appropriately explained in terms of the kinetics of the reactions. (MM)

Describes the history of the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) which was formed in 1951 and points out significant events. (Author/YDS)

Describes the last 50 years of CONASTA conferences, where they have been held and the themes of the conferences. (YDS)