The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has produced a distance learning series of four 60-minute video programs with an accompanying Web site and companion teacher guide. This teacher guide accompanies the second video in the series. The story line of each program involves six ethnically diverse, inquisitive schoolchildren who…

According to the National Science Education Standards, science curricula should emphasize understanding, reasoning, and problem solving. In order to align with the standards, the learning environment should be an active learning environment rather than a lecture-centered format in postsecondary education. This study evaluates a new format for an…

Presents a model for solving genetics problems when problem statements include information on which alleles are dominant/recessive and on what forms of a trait are coded for by the alleles. Includes procedural steps employed in a solution and conceptual knowledge of genetics/meiosis allowing students to justify what they have done. (Author/JN)

Skills needed for problem-solving are discussed. Examples of defining problems, questioning, observing, classifying, predicting, and confirming are provided. An overview of the Elementary Science Study (ESS) program, including a list of ESS units (grouped by subject matter), is also provided. (Author/JN)

Determined degree to which Malaysian biology teachers (N=26) perceived they understood and used inquiry teaching. Data indicated that these teachers perceived they had a moderate amount of knowledge about inquiry and occasionally used the 21 inquiry-related behaviors assessed by "A Generic Problem Solving (Inquiry) Model" (Hungerford,…

Suggests taking a relatively unsophisticated scientific theory and finding criticisms which could be leveled against it. Illustrates this instructional strategy by presenting a detailed criticism of the projectile theory of light. (SK)

Presents discussion on: (1) computer assisted synthesis in industry and academia; (2) computer applications to teaching organic synthesis; (3) a computer program (ORGSYN) incorporating reactions to synthesize aliphatic compounds; and (4) the design of a computer program as a heuristic device in an introductory organic course. (SK)

Reports on a study involving eighth grade earth science students (N=287) which indicates that a problem solving approach is useful in improving overall achievement, particularly in facilitating application of earth science subject matter. (CS)

Described is a model for planning and conducting an investigation designed to teach science process skills. Use of this model illustrates the generalizability of process skills and facilitates their inclusion in novel curriculum areas and beyond the classroom. (DS)

Discussed are science activities appropriate for middle school students. Considerations include the degree of abstractness of the concepts and the need for increased class time for explaining, discussing, and integrating students' activity experiences. (DS)

The French language article analyzes the Test of Science Processes and describes other measurements of the investigative skills of secondary students. It defines problem solving, scientific method, investigation (the preferred strategy for teaching high school science curricula), and two fundamental investigative abilities: observation and…

Presents a definition of problem solving and discusses process and stages. An outline is given of particular uses of problem-solving networks. (SA)

Discusses ways in which to help students solve problems effectively. On the basis of her observations of novice and expert problem solvers, the author suggests teaching the processes used by the experts directly to the students. (SA)

Activities used to teach optics to fifth and sixth graders are presented. Moon phases and solar and lunar eclipses are included. (SA)

Focuses on techniques of improving interaction within groups of children engaged in a classroom science activity. The role of the teacher is discussed as well as the positive outcomes of successful cooperation between children. (SA)