Higher education biology (HEB), a discipline where women undergraduates are numerically overrepresented in most Western universities, has been given little attention in exploring norms of scientific practice from a student perspective. This study brings into focus how biology students negotiate identities in relation to figured worlds of HEB.…

Analyzes observations of primary students in a small Interactive Science Centre using a model of play, practice, and problem solving derived from a range of literature. Identifies features of the creative phase of the activities. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the understanding of British children (N=189) of geologic time as they participate in related activities. Indicates that 10- and 11-year-old children lack a clear chronology of geologic events. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Addresses the interface between two scientific disciplines, chemistry and physics, and suggests that learners do not readily integrate their knowledge across such domains. Recommends further research on how demarcations encourage learners. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Explores stereotypes of scientists and the effectiveness of a national curriculum at altering these ideas among primary children. Results confirm the prevalence of a gender-biased stereotype and an unrealistic view of students' work. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Considers the ways in which students' activities during project work are influenced by their images of science. Finds that the concept of "epistemic demand" may help in anticipating difficulties students might have during science project work, and that students' images of science are developed as a result of implicit and explicit…

Addresses some criticisms of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project. Offers a different description of the CASE teaching method and presents evidence from the program. Contains 20 references. (Author/WRM)

Examines the impact of the national curriculum on secondary school science teachers' work in England and Wales. Finds that, in a significant number of schools, less time is spent on practical activities in the laboratory and students are presented with a narrower range of laboratory activities. Concludes that many teachers judge the national…

Reviews evidence of the effectiveness of a scheme resulting from CASE (cognitive acceleration through science education) research. Focuses on the effectiveness of the scheme in raising standards in science. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Explores the responses of primary school groups to animal exhibits. Data obtained from analysis of the content of conversation suggest more similarities than differences by gender. Contains 24 references. (DDR)

Reports on a study of the views of teachers and staff on the introduction of individual investigative work into the precollege, advanced-level chemistry courses in Great Britain. Contains 21 references. (DDR)

Argues that the life sciences offer potential for practical work to be undertaken outside the classroom. Explores a rationale for such work and draws on reported studies from a number of countries. Contains 44 references. (DDR)

Reports the findings of a three-year study that explored the development of children's concepts of evaporation at room temperature and condensation of atmospheric water vapor. (DDR)

Discusses how to develop teacher subject knowledge for effective delivery of the program of study at the primary level. Indicates that providing teachers with the necessary skills and confidence is complex. Contains 27 references. (DDR)

Explores the development of children's conception of a substance and reports the findings in relation to children's understanding of boiling water and particle ideas. Argues that boiling water should have a broad significance in the curriculum. Contains 23 references. (DDR)