Single-type, 8-fold-grooved, commercially accessible interlocking disks (ILDs) have been used for modeling of complex polyhedral and reticular topologies with relevance to inorganic and hybrid materials. The assembly of complex topologies relies on the preparation of secondary building units (SBUs), which exhibit different connectivity than that…

Metamodeling ideas move beyond using a model to solve a problem to consider the nature and purpose of a model, such as reasoning about a model's empirical basis and understanding why and how a model might change or be replaced. Given that chemistry relies heavily on the use of models to describe particulate-level phenomena, developing…

We propose and evaluate a framework supporting collaborative discovery learning of complex systems. The framework blends five design principles: (1) individual action: amidst (2) social interactions; challenged with (3) multiple tasks; set in (4) a constrained interactive learning environment that draws attention to (5) highlighted target…

Through a non-experimental descriptive and comparative mixed-methods approach, this study investigated the experiences of sixth grade earth science students with groundwater physical models through an extended SE learning cycle format. The data collection was based on a series of quantitative and qualitative research tools intended to investigate…

This article aims at discussing how Dynamic Decision Network (DDN) can be employed to tackle the challenges in modeling temporally variable scientific inquiry skills and provision of adaptive pedagogical interventions in INQPRO, a scientific inquiry exploratory learning environment for learning O'level Physics. We begin with an overview of INQPRO…

In their article in the same "Educational Leadership" issue, Berg and Clough have severely misjudged how teachers use the Hunter lesson design model. The Hunter repertoire has enhanced science teaching by providing research-based strategies to promote retention, increase the quantity of concepts learned, keep students on task, and enable…

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…

Provides a detailed look at combination of factors contributing to the success of the elementary science television programs of Japan, including production facilities, research, instructional approach, production techniques, and promotion. It is suggested that this series could serve as a model for the development of televised instruction in…

A biochemical molecular modeling project on heme proteins suitable for an introductory Biochemistry I class has been designed with a 2-fold objective: i) to reinforce the correlation between protein three-dimensional structure and function through a discovery oriented project, and ii) to introduce students to the fields of bioinorganic and…

Through a review of the literature, looks at instructional and curricular issues related to the student-as-scientist model and the critical nature of the teacher's role in expanding school science activities to include this model. (SM)

Two main factors are involved in bilingual-bicultural education as far as science education is concerned. First, there is the interplay between language and concept formation, and secondly, there is a need for culturally familiar examples in science materials for bilingual students. In line with these factors, this paper suggests that an inquiry…

In this study, learners worked with a simulation of harmonic oscillation. Two supportive measures were introduced: model progression and assignments. In model progression, the model underlying the simulation is not offered in its full complexity from the start, but variables are gradually introduced. Assignments are small exercises that help the…

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)

Previous research has shown a relationship between formal reasoning ability and science process skill attainment. It has been hypothesized that an increased emphasis on teaching process skills might enhance the formal thinking abilities of students. A variety of strategies have been proposed to better accomplish this task, most notable, the…

In this paper, pilot sessions in Rwanda and Nepal are analysed to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of active science for traumatised child refugees. The nature of the activities, choice of tools, organisation of the sessions, group size, and the role of the educators are investigated. Despite the lack of quantitative assessment, practical…