The study described is part of a larger research programme designed to investigate primary aged children's learning during a visit to the Eden Project. Children from eight primary schools were interviewed approximately four weeks after a one-day, teacher-led visit to the Eden Project (EP) in Cornwall. Their responses revealed that the children…

This article examines conceptual learning of genetics in a Year 10 Australian classroom from an ontological perspective. The study was part of a larger research project about teaching and learning genetics with computer-based multiple representations. Genetics is an important but difficult topic to teach and learn at school. The study used an…

Two intact chemistry classes participated in a study and the same teacher taught both a line graphing unit with computer-supported activities and one without. Results indicate that there were no statistically significant interaction effects among treatments and scientific reasoning levels. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/NB)

Indicates that the zoo considers that it has an important role in education and provides many opportunities for learning but that visitors' prime purpose is for entertainment. Concludes that science learning at the zoo is limited for general visitors, but is enhanced for school children by pre- and post-visit activities and strong curricular…

Addresses variations in creative thinking during various stages of a design project and the relationship between creative thinking and motivation factors. Based on a study of Israeli practical engineering students. Appendix includes survey instrument. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/NB)

Investigates the effectiveness of combining conceptual change text and concept mapping strategies on students' understanding of diffusion and osmosis. Results indicate that while the average percentage of students in the experimental group holding a scientifically correct view rose, the percentage of correct responses in the control group…

Uses a test to assess teachers' science knowledge and understanding and monitors change over two years of a primary science in-service program in 31 schools. Despite moves to improve primary science teachers' subject knowledge, many still held typical misconceptions. Concludes that teachers need a thorough understanding of interrelated concepts…

Examines the process of student conceptual change regarding thermal expansion using the Dual Situated Learning Model (DSLM) as an instructional approach. Indicates that DSLM promotes conceptual change and holds great potential to facilitate the process through classroom instruction at all levels. (Contains 38 references.) (Author/NB)

Explores students' cognitive behaviors observed in the process of learning as performed in the classroom context while acquiring a thinking skill such as choosing wisely. Micro-analysis of the students' video-recorded repeated applications of the skill identified 10 steps along the learning process, disclosing the students' development of schemata…

Offers a simple classification of problems and seeks to explore the many factors that may be important in the successful solving of problems. Considers the place of procedures and algorithms. Solving open-ended problems is extremely important in education and offering learners experience with this in a group work context is a helpful way forward.…

Presents an outline of two sets of curricular materials that address the internal rock cycle and the internal energy of the earth in relation to plate tectonic theory. (Contains 31 references.) (DDR)

Examines the results of The Draw-A-Scientist Test given to Hong Kong Chinese students (n=675) to explore their images of scientists. Focuses on differences across grade levels and between male and female students. (DDR)

Reports on a study that examined Malaysian science teachers' pedagogical content knowledge. Concludes that trainee teachers' lack pedagogical content knowledge of conceptual change strategies. (Contains 23 references.) (DDR)

Reports on a study that explored the types of questions that students ask for open-ended science investigations. Discusses how teachers can help students identify problems and pose questions that are feasible for investigation. (Contains 55 references.) (DDR)

Reports on a study of two classroom learning environment questionnaires developed in a culturally diverse context, specifically the Pacific Islands. Concludes that females perceive their environment more favorably than males. (Contains 96 references.) (DDR)