Despite its proven added value, modeling-based learning (MbL) in science is not commonly incorporated into the early grades. Our purpose in this descriptive case study was to enrich our understanding of how kindergarten children enact MbL by examining these children's constructed models and their accompanying oral descriptions of their models. For…

Many studies have characterized students' difficulties in understanding and reasoning about scientific mechanisms. Some of those studies have drawn implications on teaching mechanisms and how to guide students while reasoning mechanistically. In this theoretical article, I claim that one component that has not garnered much attention in the…

Students' out-of-school science participation has been identified as a factor that supports adaptive science outcomes. Researchers have largely investigated students' out-of-school science participation in terms of structured science activities (e.g., attending a science camp), with far less consideration of how students' involvement in…

National governments are concerned about the disconnection of young people from science, which hampers the development of a scientifically literate society promoting sustainable development, wellbeing, equity, and a green economy. Introduced in 2015 alongside Agenda 2030, the "open schooling" approach aims at enhancing students' science…

The ability to design and interpret controlled experiments is an important scientific process skill and a common objective of science standards. Numerous intervention studies have investigated how the control-of-variables-strategy (CVS) can be introduced to students. However, a meta-analysis of 72 intervention studies found that the opportunity to…

This informal learning research project examined how guided participation processes support the use of cultural tools (such as scientific equipment) during a nature walk at one nature center. This paper analyzed family interactions outdoors using microethnographic methods. An informal learning framework based on guided participation and cultural…

Epistemic criteria are the standards used to evaluate scientific products (e.g., models, evidence, arguments). In this study, we analyzed epistemic criteria for good models generated by 324 middle-school students. After evaluating a range of scientific models, but before extensive instruction or experience with model-based reasoning practices,…

Dynamic inquiry learning emphasizes aspects of change, intellectual flexibility, and critical thinking. Dynamic inquiry learning is characterized by the following criteria: learning as a process, changes during the inquiry, procedural understanding, and affective points of view. This study compared the influence of open versus guided inquiry…

As an alternative guide to science teaching, a generalized theory of scientific observation defined in terms of human intentions and purposes is offered. The generalized theory, while based on assumptions different from those of the science education theory, can still account for the plausibility of many aspects of that theory. (JN)

Reports on a study that investigated ways in which children's use of science journals aided their acquisition of science understanding in one kindergarten and one fourth-grade classroom. Indicates that children recontextualized their understandings of science investigations and phenomena by using three types of mental contexts reflected in their…

Investigated visuo-spatial ability of a control group and an experimental group (receiving 30 minutes of interaction each week) in undergraduate college biology. Results for the subjects (N=84) indicate that visuo-spatial aptitude can be enhanced through teaching. (Descriptions of interaction sessions and explanations of tasks are included.) (DH)

Performed a variance analysis of the relation between the amount of time students spend experiencing hands-on science and science achievement. Reports that students who engaged in hands-on activities frequently scored significantly higher on a standardized test of science achievement than students who did not. (Author/JRH)

Presents and analyzes data focusing on how teacher and students moved between theory and data in a unit designed to engage seventh-grade students mostly in the deductive direction of scientific activity, and how the dialectic of education was played out in the classroom as teacher and students were engaged in the activity. Contains 29 references.…

Describes science activities for home in terms of sociological theory to understand activities in the home. Demonstrates the existence of differences that cannot fail to affect children's learning in both home and school situations. Illustrates a variation in attitude affecting children as they daily cross boundaries from one culture to another,…

Presents characteristics of a learning environment drawn from a study of a grade five teacher. Analyzes the instructional activities presented to the students in order to explore the relationship between learning goals and conceptual change. Contains 25 references. (DDR)