Although the core work of science is oriented toward constructing, revising, applying, and defending models of the natural world, models appear only rarely in school science, and usually only as illustrations, rather than theory building tools. We describe the rationale and structure for a learning progression to understand the development of…

Decision making about socioscientific issues is an important aspect of modern science education worldwide. Among the many topics that represent socioscientific issues, issues relating to the sustainable development of our environment are one crucial topic. However, difficulties exist with respect to the assessment of teaching outcomes related to…

Argumentation has become an increasingly recognized focus for science instruction--as a learning process, as an outcome associated with the appropriation of scientific discourse, and as a window onto the epistemic work of science. Only a small set of theoretical conceptualizations of argumentation have been deployed and investigated in science…

As the global economic crisis continues, sustaining the United States' position as a leader in research and development is a top concern of policy makers. Looking to increase the number of students pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), calls for improved mathematics and science education abound. We completed…

Illustrates some of the limitations and pitfalls inherent in the use of educational genealogies in science by citing the available historical evidence concerning the apprenticeships of several scientists educated in the United States in the period 1800-1876. (Author/HM)

Discussed are two contrasting views about the nature of scientific thinking including Pearson's and Collingwood's. The contexts of questions, methods, problems, experiments, and history are described as contexts of inquiry. The physical thoughts of scientists from pre-Aristotelian times to the present are outlined in relation to contexts of…

Discusses the cultural role that scientific thought has historically played in relation to social theories, and the increasing influence of biology, ethology, and ecology on social models. (MLH)

Investigates how analysis of lesson interactions (both discourse and activities) helps to identify the ideas about scientific inquiry which are conveyed in a class of young gifted children (seven-eight years old). Describes three ideas about science and giftedness in science. (YP)

Examines trends in teachers' beliefs about scientists and the nature of science. Discusses teachers' questionnaire responses on the following qualities of scientists: minimum educational qualifications; creativity; temperament; stereotyped image; and personal beliefs about indigenous systems of medicine and astrology. (Contains 63 references.)…

Described and discussed is a pilot program aimed at making some college students qualified teachers of physics and chemistry at the high school level. The program was developed by the Physical Science Group, then a part of the Education Development Center at Newton, Massachusetts, but it was piloted at Rhode Island College, Southwest Minnesota…

Identified classroom variables (teacher variables and classroom climate) which are related to changes in high school students' conceptions of the nature of science. Results discussed are based on data collected over a two-year period from 18 biology teachers and their 409 students. Implications for science instruction are addressed. (JN)

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of different teaching situations on the attitudes of sixth grade students toward science. Students working with materials in an inquiring way developed more positive attitudes than students who did not have that opportunity. (JR)

Addresses philosophical problems of the evolution/creationism debate (including underlying assumptions of creationism and nature of science), suggesting that creationism cannot be presented as science in science courses because it fails to qualify as a science. Prediction and explanation, absolute creationism, and a fundamental difficulty in…

Identifies common areas of interest for the sciences and social studies. Explains effective clarification strategies and methods of focusing on value conflicts. Two such methods, the analytical model and moral reasoning model, are explained and examples of instructional materials provided for each. (GS)

Reviews knowledge of the following three related areas of concern: (1) the portrayal of science and scientists in popular culture; (2) community attitudes toward science and scientists; and (3) student perceptions of scientists. The relevance of these three areas of concern for science educators is also addressed. (JN)