Examines the intersection of students' understanding and acceptance of evolution and their epistemological beliefs and cognitive dispositions. Hypothesizes that there would be a relationship between understanding and acceptance. Involves (n=93) undergraduate, non-major biology students in the study. Reports no relationship between students,…

Discusses methodological concerns raised by Kesidou and Roseman (2002) regarding textbook evaluations and the training of rating teams. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Responds to the comments of Holliday on the analysis of middle school science textbooks with regard to the methods used in the evaluation of curriculum materials. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/YDS)

Characterizes students' understanding of the rock cycle system. Examines effects of a knowledge integration activity on their system thinking. Interprets answers to an open-ended test using a systems thinking continuum ranging from a completely static view of the system to an understanding of the system's cyclic nature. Reports meaningful…

Reports results of a survey developed to assess the use of learner-centered techniques in undergraduate science and mathematics classrooms. Reveals that learner-centered techniques are used infrequently, but when used, they are applied to all aspects of teaching. Suggests that federal funding has been slightly effective in promoting its use. (KHR)

Develops an instrument for measuring secondary students' cognitive conflict levels as they learn science. Indicates that cognitive conflict consists of four constructs: (1) recognition of an anomalous situation; (2) interest; (3) anxiety; and (4) cognitive reappraisal of the conflict situation. Discusses implications for instruction and…

Compares the problem-solving skills required for solving well-structured problems and ill-structured problems in the context of an open-ended, multimedia problem solving environment in astronomy. Assesses students' abilities in solving these problems with two sets of open-ended questions. Concludes that solving well-structured and ill-structured…

Introduces Matriculation 2000, a 5-year-old project aimed at moving from the nationwide traditional examination system in Israel to a school-based alternative embedded assessment. Describes research conducted during the fifth year of the Project at two experimental and two control schools. Investigates students' learning outcomes in chemistry and…

Examines the discursive and social practices of a teacher educator and eight beginning science teachers in a course on the nature of science and issues of equity and diversity. Focuses on beginning teachers' views of science and science teaching as well as the grounds they offered for their views. (Contains 104 references.) (Author/YDS)

Indicates the importance of induction programs that address the unique pedagogical and content needs of secondary science teachers. Examines the impact of three different induction programs on secondary science teachers. Reinforces the importance of induction programs for teachers and suggests that there is a need for specialized support programs…

Discusses student resistance to classroom participation and immersion based on personal experience and suggests an alternative approach for discourse and inquiry. (YDS)

Discusses resistance in teaching from two perspectives as strategies of action associated with science activities that are not aligned with learning, and the labeling and responses of teachers to student behaviors. Focuses on cultural miscues and resources effective in the classroom environment. (Author/YDS)

Discusses six issues that were the focus of the Ad Hoc Committee's Policy Statement and relates them to conducting research in the domain of out-of-school science learning. Suggests avenues for research in this area. (KHR)

Explores the characteristics of interactive exhibits that are effective in attracting and holding the attention of visitors in a science museum. Identifies exhibit characteristics and examines them. Characteristics include: (1) technological novelty; (2) user-centeredness; (3) sensory stimulation; and (4) open-endedness. Discusses the correlation…

Illustrates the efficacy of an approach for collecting and analyzing family conversational data at museums and other informal settings. Examines data from three families which focus on conversation centered on biological themes, specifically adaptation. Analyzes inquiry skills used in making sense of science content. Offers educators…