Research into early childhood children's understandings in science has a long history. However, few studies have drawn upon cultural-historical theory to frame their research. Mostly, what is known has come from studies which have examined individual understandings of science concepts, without reference to culture, context or the collective nature…

This study examines the effect of history-based instruction on the topic of the atom on students' academic achievement and their interest in the history of science, investigating as well the relationship between student interest and academic achievement. The sample of the study consisted of two groups of freshman students from an undergraduate…

In this study we investigate students' ability to discern conceptual variation and the use of multiple models in genetics when reading content-specific excerpts from biology textbooks. Using the history and philosophy of science as our reference, we were able to develop a research instrument allowing students themselves to investigate the…

This research, carried out in Greece on pupils aged 12-16, focuses on the transformation of their representations concerning light emission and image formation by extended light sources. The instructive process was carried out in two stages, each one having a different, distinct target set. During the first stage, the appropriate conflict…

Investigates students' (N=736) conceptions of inertia and compares these conceptions with historical changes in the concept. Findings indicate considerable similarities as well as dissimilarities between students' conceptions and the views of past scientists. Contains 31 references. (Author/JRH)

Examines the multiple uses and definitions of invention in science to develop a theory of invention and inventive acts around themes related to invention as a social act, invention as a recursive and socially linked process, and invention as an embodied agency. Contains 56 references. (DDR)

Relates the reasoning of students introduced to the concept of chemical equilibrium to the historical development of the concept. Concludes that the study of authentic historical sources may inspire the design of effective teaching activities. Contains 33 references. (DDR)

The period since the 1960s has seen dramatic change in the nature and practice of science, science education and secondary school education itself. This paper examines changes in the Science for All movement, setting these changes in the context of the societal shift towards market liberalism and the advancement of a new style of individualism. We…

Provides a framework for and a guide to the multiple links between the 10 articles in this issue that address science and technology and science education. Argues for creating a more accurate image of science. Contains 30 references. (DDR)

Supports the validity of drawing from science studies to reshape science education. Encourages educators to draw from methodologies used in science studies to further their goals in education research and classroom teaching. Contains 53 references. (DDR)

Argues that teaching technology without reference to the human need which calls for it gives students the wrong idea about the nature of technology and hides the importance of testing artifacts for operation in the relevant environment. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

Studies the complex relationship between science and technology. Derives three different interaction patterns from the history of industrial research laboratories: (1) science as enabler for technology; (2) science as a forerunner of technology; and (3) science as a knowledge resource for technology. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Reports on research that investigates the effect of teachers' sociological understanding of science on their design and implementation of curriculum innovations. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Explores the methodological implications of sociocultural approaches to the study of scientific knowledge and practices. Reviews the history of the nature of science research to trace the methodological influence of science and technology studies upon science education. Contains 82 references. (DDR)

Argues that the framework of sociologists extends commonly used analytical frameworks in socioscientific research in education. Foregrounds the social construction of knowledge and highlights the nature of knowledge production. (DDR)