This paper is concerned with two pervasive and apparently reliable theories, namely, those general accounts of the status of science and art which seem to form part of the "bedrock" of contemporary thinking. The first section discusses what are taken to be the most commonly accepted and highly legitimized general accounts of both science…

Describes differing concepts of nature held by systematists from 1789-1859, connections between these concepts, and how they saw relationships among groups and made classifications. Discusses what these systematists intended their classifications to represent and how these intentions relate to classifications used by twentieth-century biologists.…

The potential benefits of satellite communications development have been recognized since the notion of a geostationary "space platform" was proposed by Arthur C. Clarke in 1945. Although there have been examples of developmental applications of satellite technology, the promise has been slow in being fulfilled. The history of the…

Science policy studies and the social studies of science are two ways to approach science-technology-society (STS) education. This paper applies the two perspectives to STS education and explores the implications of the two approaches for the domain of STS education and the relationship to science education. (YP)

Presents a model of expert reasoning practices that focuses on constructive modeling, a tacit dimension of the thinking practices of expert physicists. Draws on historical cases and protocol accounts of expert reasoning in scientific problem solving and argues that having expertise in physics requires facility with the practice of constructive…

Explored are the following dimensions of scientific literacy: the ethos of modern science and the cumulative achievements of science and technology in the history of the United States and in the nature of contemporary society. Also discussed is the reform movement in science education. (KR)

Describes Fermat's last theorem and shows the proof for the case when the exponent is four. Outlines other works for the proof of the theorem, including Kummer's. Twelve references are listed. (YP)

Surveyed are the etymology and the reason scientists coined a specific name for a newly discovered element. Approaches to naming from a historical viewpoint are considered. (CW)

Points out that large earthquakes can take place not only on faults that cut the earth's surface but also on blind faults under folded terrain. Describes four examples of fold earthquakes. Discusses the fold earthquakes using several diagrams and pictures. (YP)

Discusses the history of American science and science education, with particular emphasis on the development of scientific inquiry and experimentation. Focuses primarily on the activities of individuals in the 1800's, and the introduction of science into secondary schools and higher education institutions in the early 1900's. (TW)

Describes the Cygnus Loop, one of brightest and most easily studied of the older "remnant nebulae" of supernova outbursts. Discusses some of the historical events surrounding the discovery and measurement of the Cygnus Loop and makes some projections on its future. (TW)

Reports on a study into how the history of chemistry is being taught in colleges and universities. Results indicate that courses on the history of chemistry are hardly ever required of chemistry majors, and they are offered in only 10 percent of American Chemical Society approved chemistry departments. (TW)

Lists five criteria in the acceptance of mathematical theorems, such as understanding, significance, compatibility, reputation, and convincing argument. Concludes that social and language factors are involved in the process of the acceptance. (YP)

Discussed is the history of school science curriculum reform from the Sputnik era to 1990. The relationship between the crisis in the 1950s and 1990 is addressed. A list of curriculum development programs for all levels and special needs students is included. (KR)

Empiricists work with general concepts defined by their observed sets of objects. Their explanations involve their general concepts derived by trial and error from their untheoretical observations and experience. This paper distinguishes empirical educational research from scientific research to avoid confusion between the two. A reason for the…