In science education, there is a need to evaluate the behavior of dynamic systems. Representing and explaining processes through educational models or simulations enables students to perform activities where it is easier to understand these processes and discover the essential properties of a system. Performing modeling or simulation activities…

Whereas some educational designers believe that students should learn new concepts through explorative problem solving within dedicated environments that constrain key parameters of their search and then support their progressive appropriation of empowering disciplinary forms, others are critical of the ultimate efficacy of this discovery-based…

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…

Reviews the literature concerning problem solving in science education. Authors contend that the adoption of a forward-looking viewpoint of science has increased the attention given to the topics of discovery and problem-solving behavior. Authors conclude that research by philosophers of science on models and problem solving include insights to…

There is a place for the discovery model in science education, but it should not be the exclusive instructional model. Reception and discovery learning should be used. In reception, scientific concepts are sequentially transmitted to the learner followed by clarification and reinforcement. Reception has not been supported by teacher training…

Describes a remedial college course in which discovery-based teaching and physical models are employed to teach students how to think. Discusses program content, program structure, program goals, results of the course, and the impact on student success in future science and math courses. (DKM)

The studies reported in this paper are an initial effort to explore the applicability of computational models in introductory science learning. Two instructional interventions are described that use a molecular dynamics model embedded in a set of online learning activities with middle and high school students in 10 classrooms. The studies indicate…

Presents a hands-on, exploratory science unit to study the biodiversity of the African tropical rain forest. Students study the vegetation, animal population, and human habitants of the forest. (MDH)

Presents a historical and content background of the metric system. Describes 1 of a series of integrated hands-on lessons for grades 4-7 to teach the measuring of volume with metrics. Provides a worksheet for the lesson and a concept map of the metric system. (MDH)