We often knowingly teach false science. Such a practice conflicts with a prima facie pedagogical value placed on teaching only what is true. I argue that only a partial dissolution of the conflict is possible: the proper aim of instruction in science is not to provide an armory of facts about what things the world contains, how they interact, and…

Endorses John L. Rudolph's argument that the time spent on "the nature of science as a thing-in-itself" is less than the time spent "seeking greater consensus about what social function we wish our image of science to serve". Focuses on Dewey's and Schwab's ideas to discuss the function and practice of science education. (Contains 14 references.)…

Focuses on whether (and if so to what extent) a multicultural approach to science education is compatible with a universalist conception of science. Concludes that the most defensible conception of science education is one in which it is conceived to be both multicultural and universal. (Author/MM)

This article challenges the position that school science curricula should be expanded to include examples of sciences from other cultures on the basis that modern science includes people who represent a wide range of cultural beliefs and customs who agree on the nature of science. (LZ)

Presents a discussion on the re-examination of the development of the scientific attitude as a general aim of science education. It is suggested that the assumption of this attitude in the professional behavior of successful scientists is questionable. (PB)

Seeks to address concerns Shiland raised in a prior article published in Science Education 1998, 82(5), 615-617 regarding the National Science Education Standards (NSES). Discusses the failures of NSES and the consequences related to the cognitive abilities of teachers and students. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/YDS)

An emeritus professor of science education presents his perceptions of critical issues in science education. (PB)

Argues that the National Science Education Standards is an atheoretical document because it fails to prescribe scientific theories worth knowing, define the role of scientific theories in scientific literacy, or outline a framework to conduct research on the inquiry method. (DDR)

The authors argue for change in how the nature of science is represented in school curricula and dispute the idea that they have argued for a large expansion in science curricula. The intent is to challenge reformers and educators to take another look at the nature of science and how nature ought to be reflected in the curriculum. (LZ)

The authors restate their position that it is essential to correct narrow conceptions of science and that to do so requires the infusion of history and philosophy of science into teacher education programs. Discusses various educational philosophies that address whether or not the boundaries of science can be established clearly. (LZ)

Addresses the need for and the problem of organizing a science curriculum around contextual settings and science stories that serve to involve and motivate students to develop an understanding of the world that is rooted in the scientific and humanistic traditions. Presents a conceptual development model and a proposed program of activities. (76…

Argues that a multiscience perspective on science education affords richer implications for reflection and practice than does multiculturalism. Recognizes the existence of various types of science at play in all science classrooms, especially personal science, indigenous science, and Western modern science. Discusses implications for curriculum…

Reviews the difficulties and prospects of sharing science within the academy and the ripple effect that such activities may have on the larger social context of attitudes toward science. Points out that crossing into other disciplines for any purpose raises special communication problems. Advocates the change of curricula to ensure the scientific…

Presented is an asymptotic approach to "authentic" science. Discussed are the following aspects of science: personal science, private science, public science, historical science, societal science, technological science, and the aims of science. (KR)

Argues that scientific knowledge in school is a social construct in which curriculum proposals are simply points of departure that are transformed by the social interaction that takes place within the classroom. Considers discourse as playing an important role in knowledge construction. Contains 31 references. (DDR)