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Hurd, Paul DeHart – Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 1990
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)
Descriptors: College Science, Cultural Awareness, Higher Education, Science and Society
Stein, Ross S.; Yeats, Robert S. – Scientific American, 1989
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)
Descriptors: Earth Science, Earthquakes, Geology, Plate Tectonics
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Klein, Douglas J.; Trinajstic, Nenad – Journal of Chemical Education, 1990
Discussed is the importance of valence bond theory on the quantum-mechanical theory of chemical structure and the nature of the chemical bond. Described briefly are early VB theory, development of VB theory, modern versions, solid-state applications, models, treatment in textbooks, and flaws in criticisms of valence bond theory. (KR)
Descriptors: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Chemistry, College Science
Vosniadou, Stella; Brewer, William F. – 1989
This paper presents the results of an experiment which investigated elementary school children's concept of the earth's shape and the related concept of gravity. First, third, and fifth grade children were asked a series of factual, explanatory, and generative questions in an attempt to understand as clearly as possible the way they conceptualized…
Descriptors: Cognitive Structures, Concept Formation, Earth Science, Elementary Education
Prather, J. Preston – 1985
Speculative philosophical methodology was used to generate ideas about ways science teachers might help students recognize and unlearn erroneous notions about science and replace them with sound new science concepts without lessening students' intellectual self-confidence or alienating their receptivity to further science learning. The research…
Descriptors: Concept Formation, Concept Teaching, Elementary Secondary Education, Higher Education
Vosniadou, Stella – 1989
This paper presents findings from research on knowledge acquisition in observational astronomy to demonstrate the kinds of intuitive models children form and to show how these models influence the acquisition of science knowledge. Sixty children of approximate ages 6, 9, and 12 were given a questionnaire to investigate their knowledge of the size,…
Descriptors: Astronomy, Cognitive Structures, Concept Formation, Earth Science
Clement, John – 1988
Some central issues in discussions of creative processes in science are: (1) the mechanism(s) by which hypothesis formation takes place; (2) the sources of new knowledge during hypothesis formation; and (3) the "Eureka" versus steady accumulation (accretion) issue concerning the pace of change during hypothesis formation. This paper…
Descriptors: Cognitive Processes, Creative Thinking, Hypothesis Testing, Models
MacDonald, Dougal – 1989
This study explored the usefulness of an approach to science instruction which specifically considered children's spontaneous conceptions about natural phenomena. The aim of the instruction was the development of conceptual understanding. The instructional approach involved diagnosing children's spontaneous conceptions, making them aware of their…
Descriptors: Cognitive Structures, Concept Formation, Elementary School Science, Foreign Countries
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Lederman, Norman G. – Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 1992
Reviews research from the past 40 years on students' and teachers' conceptions of the nature of science, clarifies the basic assumptions and logic which have guided earlier research efforts, contrasts the results from qualitative and quantitative research, makes recommendations about research methods, and suggests avenues for future research about…
Descriptors: Cognitive Structures, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Research, Elementary Secondary Education
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Adams, David L. – Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 1990
Presented is the position that the only goal for nonscience majors is scientific literacy, and that this goal can only be achieved through separate science courses for nonmajors. Two approaches to accomplish this and some issues of concern are examined. (KR)
Descriptors: College Science, Course Descriptions, Higher Education, Nonmajors