"Darwin's Revolution in Thought" is Stephen Jay Gould's definitive treatise on Charles Darwin. This 50-minute classroom edition videotaped lecture is structured in the form of a paradox and three riddles about Darwin's life. Each is designed to shed light on one of the key features of the theory of natural selection, its philosophical…

Discussed is the teaching of history related to chemistry in college chemistry courses. Problem areas including naming things and biases (linguistic, geographical, national, religious, ethnic, racial, cultural, sexual, world views, and government) are discussed. Five suggestions for improving instruction are given. (RH)

Suggests that a primary value of a history of science course is that it provides the student with a more profound understanding than obtained from science courses alone. However, the course should also instruct in the craft of history and communicate the role of history in shaping current thought and institutions. (KC)

This paper considers the term "authentic science" and its meaning with respect to science education. In particular, three relevant denotations of authenticity are applied to nine facets of science. These facets include methodological and epistemological aspects of science, personal, private, public, historical, societal and technological…

Explored are the following dimensions of scientific literacy: the ethos of modern science and the cumulative achievements of science and technology in the history of the United States and in the nature of contemporary society. Also discussed is the reform movement in science education. (KR)

Selected are three pioneers who invented the history of technology: Abbott P. Usher, Lewis Mumford, and Sigfried Giedion. Their careers, publications, and contributions to the history of technology are described. (YP)

This paper examines how the revolution in human thinking, with the smaller revolution in astronomy begun by Nicolus Copernicus, has plunged science educators into the new Age of Information. Examples which illustrate this development and change in human thinking (from Copernicus' time to the present) are provided from such disciplines as…

Proposes that teachers possess some awareness of the history and philosophy of science and epistemological understanding of the nature of the subject area. Offers perspectives on the role of observation; on hypotheses, theories, and laws; and on models in biological education. (ML)

Offers a model of scientific thought based on the multidisciplinary integration of the sciences. Stresses the importance of constructions/deconstructions of meanings, codifications/decodifications of symbols, and structurations/destructurations of conceptual operations in the development of scientific thought and in the modification of human…

Strong European roots shape the view of science history as presented in science textbooks, presenting few women and minority role models. Presents examples of scientific discoveries made by minorities. Asserts that the contributions of culturally diverse individuals and women should be part of the science curriculum. (MDH)

Argues that the field of inorganic chemistry is facing an identity crisis. Proposes that the current call for curriculum reform in inorganic chemistry is an opportunity to return to a stronger discipline. Presents a history of freshman chemical education and recommends a new program for inorganic chemistry. (TW)

The twentieth century has witnessed a burst of discovery in physics unparalleled in human history. Despite the fact that general relativity and quantum mechanics are well over half a century old, introductory physics classes in high schools, colleges, and universities essentially ignore them. These two seminal ideas, the phenomena of…

One reason medical students favor specialization over generalist medicine (primary care) is a perception of generalist medicine as nonrigorous. Chaos science, a new field, reveals an intellectual basis for generalist medicine. The history, strengths, and limits of reductionist thinking in medicine and aspects of chaos theory illuminate this…

Interest in the application of the history and philosophy of science to science education raises important questions about the effect such considerations will have on educational practice. In this paper, the application emphasizes concepts related to theory testing and theory development specifically and to the growth of knowledge generally. This…

Discusses the differences between iron and copper. Describes various aspects of the behaviors of these two elements, including those of biological and environmental significance. Addresses the evolution of the atmosphere and sedimentary ore formation, the phylogeny of iron and copper, and some anthropological notes regarding the use of the metals.…