Reviews of the state of biology fieldwork in UK schools and universities at the beginning of the twenty-first century (Barker, Slingsby, and Tilling 2002; Smith 2004) were not entirely pessimistic; rather they suggested ways forward that might lead to an increase in fieldwork. Whether their hopes have been realised has, perhaps, been revealed by…

This commentary talks about the worldwide health impact of lack of access to potable water. Household water treatment and storage (HWTS) is described as one approach to improving potable water accessibility in which students and educators can make a contribution to alleviate the problem of lack of access. The author suggests that, as chemists,…

States that debates regarding the future of science education in the United Kingdom have been ongoing for 20 years in professional organizations, principally the Association for Science Education and other interested parties, such as the Nuffield Foundation. Concludes teachers must respond to the statutory curriculum and assessment agenda. (BT)

Outlines general guidelines for teaching conceptual development in science in the United Kingdom. Focuses on the introduction of new ideas in the primary classroom. Uses two examples of teaching to exemplify how relevant ideas of science can be introduced. Discusses the teacher's role in talking ideas into existence. (BT)

Argues reading, writing, and argument are central to any conception of science as currently constituted. Notes that study of the language of science, science's epistemic base, and the cultural norms and values that underpin practice are considered marginal to teaching science. Contends change requires reconceptualization of priorities for science…

Finds the role of analogy in learning extensively researched. Argues research should shift focus from determining effectiveness of analogy in cognitive transfer from base to target domains towards recognition of the role of analogy in generating engagement in the learning process. Draws on hermeneutic philosophy to provide a theoretical framework.…

Suggests science taught at Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) has changed little over the past two decades despite introduction of National Curriculum reforms. Notes high stakes testing at the end of Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) has resulted in less experimentation in Year 6. Examines structural factors responsible for the current situation. (BT)

This paper develops a conceptual basis for a model on the teaching of socio-scientific controversial issues for secondary or high school students. I argue that the teaching of controversial issues needs a stronger theoretical base. Drawing on a liberal democratic conception of possible sources of conflict, three strands are developed that provide…

A literature-based survey gathered 331 final-year preservice teachers' perceptions of their mentoring in primary science education from nine Australian universities. Data were analysed within five factors proposed for mentoring (i.e., Personal Attributes, System Requirements, Pedagogical Knowledge, Modelling, and Feedback). Results indicated that…

Deals with the practical assessment of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Great Britain with regard to the requirements set forth in biology syllabi. Addresses the requirements of the British National Criteria for assessment of experimental skills, the assessment framework, and the principle of positive achievement. (TW)

Argues that life cycles and the concept of the four-dimensional organism should be the most important idea in teaching high school biology in the United Kingdom. Presents a set of concepts and terms with a view to improving the perceived confusion in present teaching situations. (TW)

The nature and place of biology in Chinese schools, the teaching methods employed, and the training of biology teachers are described. Acknowledging that foreign influences have impinged on it during the past 90 years, the author suggests that Chinese biology teachers are seeking to improve the teaching of biology to suit current Chinese needs.…

Examines the tensions between the development of a holistic understanding of the diverse relations linking people and environments and the more dominant, technocratic orientation of environmental studies programs in higher education. Describes how the graduate environmental science program at Monash University (Australia) has dealt with these…

Examines some of the reasons why energy education programs in Australia tend not to be tied closely with the environmental impacts of energy use. Highlights some of the difficulties facing the environmental education teacher who wishes to conduct a valid study of energy sources. (TW)

Discusses the history of the relationship between science education and environmental education in Australian and international contexts and suggests that--given the on-going resistance to environmental education in schools, the static nature of science education practices, and declining student interest in studying traditional science…