The central dogma of biology is difficult to learn because its microscopic processes cannot be visualized. This study aimed to devise two inquiry activities: 'Button Code' and 'Beaded Bracelet Making,' involving the concepts of DNA replication and protein synthesis based on the Metacognitive Learning Cycle (MLC) for students, and to explore the…

The purpose of this study is to compare the conceptions of learning biology (COLB) of Taiwanese and Turkish high school students. In addition, it was investigated whether there is a gender difference in students' COLB in both countries. The COLB questionnaire was implemented in both countries and students' COLB were identified. A total of 562…

This study was designed to exemplify how hands-on based teaching strategies enhanced students' knowledge and positive attitudes towards sharks. Hands-on activities for sharks' biological and morphological features were carried out. Eleven elementary school students from a remote area in Taiwan were recruited and assigned to the hands-on condition.…

Understanding diffusion of water into and out of the cell through osmosis is fundamental to the learning and teaching of biology. Although this process is thought of as occurring directly across the lipid bilayer, the majority of water transport is actually mediated by specialised transmembrane water-channels called aquaporins. This study…

The purpose of this study is to use concept maps as an "expressed model" to investigate students' mental models regarding the homeostasis of blood sugar. The difficulties in learning the concept of homeostasis and in probing mental models have been revealed in many studies. Homeostasis of blood sugar is one of the themes in junior high…

The purpose of this study was primarily to explore the effects of constructivist-oriented instruction on fifth graders' cognitive structures about biological reproduction. Furthermore, such effects on different science achievers were also investigated. The subjects of this study were 69 eleven year olds in Taiwan, who were assigned to either a…

Explores the knowledge development of Taiwanese 5th grade students (N=28) of biological reproduction. Proposes three stages of knowledge acquisition based on the results of the study. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Investigates young peoples' knowledge and the culture influence using a cross-sectional approach. Involves n=586 pupils from 11 different countries and analyzes resultant drawings using a seven point scale where the criterion was anatomical accuracy. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

This study examines the curriculum components in biology favoured by high school students in Taiwan. Our sample consisted of 155 senior high school students (51 boys and 104 girls) and 137 junior high school students (74 boys and 63 girls). The questionnaire was based on the idea of a repertory grid technique and was developed to investigate the…