This study revamps and optimizes the teaching and learning process and instrument for the classic binary vapor-liquid equilibrium experiment by combining activity coefficient model simulations and practical exercises. Our teaching process combines a software simulation and practical exercises. Utilizing Aspen software, students can predict phase…

Understanding scientific phenomena requires learners to construct mental models of causal systems. Simulation-based discovery learning offers learners the opportunity to construct mental models and test them against the behavior of a simulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate sequential patterns of learner actions and utterances…

A central goal of science education reform is for students to participate in scientific sense making rather than to merely acquire science facts. However, even in classrooms utilizing reform-based pedagogies, students are typically allowed to construct knowledge only insofar as they construct expected knowledge. In this report and reflection, we…

Intuitive knowledge seems to influence human decision-making outside of consciousness and differs from deliberate cognitive and metacognitive processes. Intuitive knowledge can play an essential role in problem solving and may offer the initiation of subsequent learning processes. Scientific discovery learning with computer simulations leads to…

Informal learning settings such as museums have been identified as opportunities to enhance students' knowledge and motivation in science and to optimize the connection between science and everyday life. The present study assessed the role of a self-paced science education program (situated in a medical science museum) in enhancing students'…

Error-based simulation (EBS) has been developed to generate phenomena by using students' erroneous ideas and also offers promise for promoting students' awareness of errors. In this paper, we report the evaluation of EBS used in learning "normal reaction" in a junior high school. An EBS class, where students learned the concept…

Although teachers in principle are prepared to make use of science centers, such excursions often fail to facilitate learning processes. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the link between science centers and schools. The design and evaluation of valuable outreach projects may enhance students' out-of-school science learning. In our study, we…

The learning cycle is a way to structure inquiry in school science and occurs in several sequential phases. A learning cycle moves children through a scientific investigation by having them first explore materials, then construct a concept, and finally apply or extend the concept to other situations. Why the learning cycle? Because it is a…

Some ways in which a young child becomes involved in exploratory activities, seeking to become acquainted with his world, and how these experiences involve science concepts are presented. Piaget's philosophy of learning is discussed with emphasis on the child's need for interaction for an open learning environment. (EB)

Presents the rationale behind the need to teach the metric system and includes a description of the most important metric units. The stages through which children pass as they develop an understanding of the process of measurement are discussed. Bibliographic material is included. (EB)

Stresses the importance of learner involvement, and adult patience and understanding, for a child's success in learning and consequently in living. (EB)

Distinguishes between problems" and exercises" in science teaching, and disscusses the use and abuse of problem-solving in physics instruction. Suggests that the essence of problem-solving is the element of creativity and challenge. The implications of this idea for science teaching is discussed. Bibliography. (LC)

Presents part of a new series aimed at providing exploratory activities for preschool children as they seek to become acquainted with the world in which they live. (Author/EB)

Describes exploratory activities for a young child seeking to become acquainted with the world in which he lives. (EB)

Reported is a study of the effects of using the counterintuitive event in science teaching on subject-matter achievement and subject-matter retention of upper-elementary school students. Two separate units of instruction based on the demonstration-discussion method were designed for the study. A unit of instruction was designed for the control…