In this study we investigate students' ability to discern conceptual variation and the use of multiple models in genetics when reading content-specific excerpts from biology textbooks. Using the history and philosophy of science as our reference, we were able to develop a research instrument allowing students themselves to investigate the…

For the past few decades the integration of literacy instruction has influenced the teaching of science in the elementary classroom--whether through traditional learning or as part of inquiry and hands-on methods. One reason: the ubiquitous K-W-L strategy. This popular literacy strategy is essentially a framework to guide students through a…

This paper suggests an inexpensive way for encouraging discussions of experimental design and data interpretation for all grade levels. The discussion begins with the presentation of a graph or table from the scientific literature. Questions are then asked in six steps to promote an understanding of the information contained. (PR)

An assignment centered on reading journal articles and writing abstracts is an effective way to improve student reading and writing skills in sedimentology and stratigraphy laboratories. Each student reads two articles and writes informative abstracts from the author's point of view. (PR)

Describes a high school biology assignment that had students read a self-selected book where the main character experiences nature and is changed by it. Evaluation was based on journal entries and a formal paper. Seventy percent of the students indicated they greatly enjoyed the assignment. (PR)

Most students enjoy reading interesting selections about unusual plants, animals, insects, spiders, and other creatures. This book attempts to capitalize on the natural curiosity of students by introducing them to some of nature's most intriguing forms of life. The document is designed to provide students with background information, including…

An autonomous multimedia computer-assisted instruction (CAI) general-education physics course was developed and evaluated at Florida State University (FSU). Based on a one-term conventional lecture course which had been given successfully at FSU for several years, the CAI course made use of an IBM 1500 instructional system to guide the student…