The emergence of the Family Resemblance Approach (FRA) to nature of science (NOS) has prompted a fresh wave of scholarship embracing this new approach in science education. The FRA provides an ambitious and practical vision for what NOS-enriched science content should aim for and promotes evidence-based practices in science education to support…

In many scientific contexts, students need to be able to use mathematical knowledge in order to engage in scientific reasoning and problem-solving, and their understanding of scientific concepts relies heavily on their ability to understand and use mathematics in often new or unfamiliar contexts. Not only do science students need high levels of…

Introduces a curriculum model for teaching physical science to the pre-service elementary school teacher entitled "Powerful Ideas in Physical Science (PIPS)". This model was developed by members of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and is inquiry-based, hands-on, and discrepant-event based. (Author/MM)

Focuses on the gap between research findings and implementation of the results into science teacher education programs, curricula, and professional practices. Addresses one implementation issue that needs to inform future research, teacher education, professional development, and classroom instruction: How views of science, learning, discourse,…

Included are the description, operating characteristics, uses, and future plans for the Topological Panorama Camera, which is an experimental, robotic photographic device capable of producing visual renderings of the mathematical characteristics of an equation in terms of position changes of an object or in terms of the shape of the space…

Explores the development and status of Earth Science Education in Israel and England and Wales. Finds that, despite separate traditions for education in the Earth Sciences, there are a surprisingly large number of commonalities between current trends in each of the countries in the study, and each has had difficulty determining what constitutes an…

Against the background of the current crisis in science education, discusses various aspects of science/technology/society (STS) curriculum and instruction, including the need for new definition of science education, social science education and STS, and STS curriculum materials. Also provides a framework for educating about STS. (JN)

Provides an historical perspective of the popular topics that have influenced science education during the past quarter century and reviews current international debate on scientific literacy and science pedagogy. Suggests that there is still considerable cause for concern for school science curriculum and sociopolitical action needs to be taken.…

This paper reviews science curriculum issues surrounding the education of students with disabilities. The background of science education for these students is explored, and three curricula designed especially for them are examined, including a curriculum from the Biological Science Curriculum Study, the "Full Option Science System," and…

Presents the story of one nongovernmental organization (NGO) and the role it played in reconceptualizing science education in South Africa. Describes the success of the Science Education Project (SEP) in confronting authoritarian practices of government organizations and those within its own ranks. Science education can become the Trojan horse of…

In the autumn of 2004, an interdisciplinary social science course entitled "Remembering, Forgetting and Forgiveness: Justice and Reconciliation from the National to the International" was offered to undergraduate students at the University of Tampere, Finland. The course had 49 students from 10 different countries on three continents. A…

There are increasing calls in the science education community for "science for citizenship" as an important goal for the school science curriculum of the 21st century. The potential influence of portrayals of science and scientists in popular culture on the achievement of this goal is explored in this paper through a review of the literature. We…

Identified are persistent and recurrent patterns in the history of biology education. Major influences and goals of the last century are stressed. Four major aims identified are knowledge, methods, personal, and social. These aims are used as a framework for the discussion. (CW)

Documents the history and present state of science education at the primary level in Cyprus against the background of the general educational system and goals. (WRM)

Briefly describes the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) organization, administration, and results as they relate to Australian science and math education. (Author/WRM)