The introduction of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT has raised many challenging questions about the nature of teaching, learning, and assessment in every subject area, including science. Unlike other disciplines, natural science is unique because the ontological and epistemological understanding of nature is…

Given little research using meta-analysis for SSI-based interventions and their limitations (e.g. data selection and analysis processes), further study is needed to validate previous findings and provide a broader sense of the effectiveness of SSI-based interventions in promoting scientific literacy. Therefore, this study aimed to…

The purpose of this study was to begin examining the impact of the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE). Under development since 2008, the curriculum is intended to integrate core academics and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) into agricultural education programs. This longitudinal descriptive correlational study…

We surveyed first year students at the start and at the end of their first semester of university biology (n = 285) as to their approaches to study ("surface", "deep") and their conceptions of biology ("fragmented", "cohesive"). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to group students who responded similarly…

Investigates students' beliefs about the tentativeness of scientific knowledge, and autonomy and strategies appropriate for science learning. Analyzes responses to a written beliefs test of 178 8th grade students and interviews with a subset of the students. Discusses instructional implications focusing on the potential roles of teachers and…

Investigates secondary school students' concepts of isotopes and allotropes and how the concepts are linked to the Periodic Table of Elements (PTE). Questions senior high school students with multiple choice items and interviews. Shows that students actively tried to make sense of what they had experienced. (KHR)

Discusses proper planning and project management techniques. Suggests tips for selecting a first project and instructional design based on constructivism, and introducing computer-based training into the curriculum. (Author/CCM)

The Program for Access to Science Study (PASS) consists of a preparatory science course which is taught in tandem with a special counseling seminar. Problem solving is taught using content in chemistry and physics. The curriculum is divided into cycles, each built around a single topic. A problem set related to the topic and an illustrative lab…

Strategies for developing hands-on learning activities for a camp nature program include working with themes, establishing goals, structuring time, providing a "hook," keeping instructions simple, and appropriately supervising campers. Includes ideas for nature themes, a sample learning activity, and suggestions for linking projects to…

Provides 10 lines of evidence that support the theory of human evolution. The evidence relates to hierarchical taxonomic classification, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology and development, comparative biochemistry, adaptive compromises, vestigial structures, biogeography, the fossil sequence, ecological coherence of fossil assemblages,…

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of students' learning styles on their chemistry achievement and attitudes toward chemistry as a school subject. One hundred seventy nine 9th grade and 151 10th grade students taking chemistry courses from different high schools were enrolled in the study. The Learning Style Inventory was used to…

This book provides teachers with effective strategies to help encourage all students but particularly young women who are apprehensive about science. Sections include: (1) Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Success; (2) Specific Tactics for Classroom Success; and (3) Classroom Activities. This monograph features creative activities in life…

This meeting proceedings provide a forum for the program directors to discuss various educational challenges facing undergraduate science departments and to learn how their colleagues in other institutions are addressing the same challenges. The meeting theme was New Tools for Science Education and participants examined issues related to how new…

Discusses the role of techniques of DNA analysis in assessing the genetic relationships between various species. Focuses on wolf-dog evolution using DNA evidence and historical data about human/wolf-dog relationships. (DDR)

This publication contains 24 studies which focus on: the fostering of inquiry in secondary school science laboratories; realistic expectations for traditional laboratory work; a content-based, college-level science course for all students; understanding learning at the classroom level; transitions and student task involvement; a project to…