Elaborates on a framework based on the reconstruction of developments that lead to the formulation of the laws of definite and multiple proportions. Ascertains students' views of these laws and formulates criteria based on the framework for evaluating the treatment of the laws in chemistry textbooks. Provides a rationale for chemistry teachers to…

Attempts to solve the problem of hidden structure in school chemistry. Argues that normal chemistry education is isolated from common sense, everyday life and society, the history and philosophy of science, technology, school physics, and chemical research. (Author/CCM)

Describes the courses in a study program called History of Physics for physics student teachers at Oldenburg University in Germany, some of which are modified from the ordinary physics curriculum with an emphasis on history and philosophy of science. Presents some examples of student achievements and points out the educational relevance. (ASK)

Discusses Newton's long struggle with the concepts of inertia and centrifugal force as an example of high-grade scientific thinking. Discusses the role of textbooks and how they largely emphasize memorization. Suggests that the historical approach can be more time-consuming than textbook-based teaching and that it requires a good understanding of…

Examines the role played by metaphor in supporting and conditioning thinking about theoretical models of learning in science education. With special reference to von Glasersfeld's theory of radical constructivism, suggests that much of the controversy appearing in the academic discussion of this theory stems from the injudicious use of metaphors…

Describes and evaluates an elementary science methods course in which the nature of science and scientific inquiry are embedded and explicitly taught. As a result of the course, incoming conceptions of science as primarily a body of knowledge changed to a more appropriate, blended view of science as a body of knowledge generated through the active…

Describes a high school biology curriculum designed to give students opportunities to learn about genetic inquiry in part by providing them with authentic experiences doing inquiry in the discipline. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/WRM)

Presents an overview of the goals of the MindWorks program for science curriculum development. The project hopes to address student motivation, student understanding of the structure and workings of the physical world, and students' and teachers' ideas about the process and culture of scientific activity. Also discusses the progress of pilot…