There has been sustained research interest in the role of early career researchers in advancing the field and the challenges that they face. However, efforts to document lived experiences of researchers working in a specific research area within science education have been scarce. This paper considers the meaning of innovation in the context of…

This paper aims to discuss complexity as a key feature for understanding the role of science knowledge in environmental and health contexts--a central issue in Science|Environment|Health pedagogy. Complex systems are, in principle, not predictable. In different contexts, ephemeral mechanisms produce different, sometimes completely unexpected…

The potential of science to transform lives has been highlighted by a number of scholars. This means that critical socio-scientific issues (SSIs) must be integrated into science curricula. Development of context-specific scientific knowledge and twenty-first-century learning skills in science education could be used to address SSIs such as…

Arguing on the computer was used as a method to promote development of face-to-face argumentation skills in middle schoolers. In the study presented, sixth graders engaged in electronic dialogues with peers on a controversial topic and in some reflective activities based on transcriptions of the dialogues. Although participants initially exhibited…

The underlying assumption to this paper is that learners' ability to appreciate the relevance of school science and its importance to socio-economic development of their communities to a large extent depends on the quality of instruction they receive from their teachers. A popular conundrum is that no country is greater than the calibre of its…

"Teaching and Studying Social Issues: Major Programs and Approaches" focuses on many of the major innovations developed over the past 100 years by noted educators to assist students in the study and analysis of key social issues that impact their lives and society. This book complements earlier books that address other aspects of studying and…

This paper questions the perceived divide between "science" subject matter and "moral" or "ethical" subject matter. A difficulty that this assumed divide produces is that science teachers often feel that there needs to be "special treatment" given to certain issues which are of an ethical or moral nature and which are "brought into" the science…

In this article, we study third-year university students' reasoning about three controversial socio-scientific issues from the viewpoint of education for sustainable development: local issues (the reintroduction of bears in the Pyrenees in France, wolves in the Mercantour) and a global one (global warming). We used the theoretical frameworks of…

Profiles the Contemporary Liberal Arts Core Curriculum of Polytechnic University (New York). Provides the course syllabi for the four-course science, technology, and society sequence, which includes "Technology and Society in Historical Perspectives,""Introduction to Behavioral Science,""Ethics and Technology," and…

Education is the first step toward making changes in habits and practices that are currently threatening the environment. Across the country, evidence is abundant that people are willing to change their habits once they understand the consequences of their choices. Greater numbers of communities are instituting recycling programs. This book is…

Discusses the implementation of the "Science in Society" project into Oxfordshire schools. The place of the course in sixth form schools, teacher attitudes about the course, local school initiatives, ways of overcoming problems in teaching the course, and other topics are addressed. (JN)

Focuses on the moral arguments for and against the controversial topic of voluntary active euthanasia. Discusses the question of legalization and decriminalization of the practice. Provides a student worksheet with questions to stimulate discussion on the issue. (MDH)

This article considered the form, content, objectives and background of courses relating to science and society. (Author/RK)

The purpose of this study was to show that societal problems such as energy and pollution should be included as a central and underlying theme in a college chemistry course. A questionnaire was administered to 156 college students in science and technology to determine whether the students felt that they would be more highly motivated in chemistry…

Examines the changing demands facing science teachers in Australia with the introduction of new curricula and an increasing emphasis on social relevance in science teaching. (JR)