This literature review provides an overview of recent studies on the introduction of nanosciences and nanotechnologies in secondary education. Four salient research topics have emerged: questions and reflections preceding curriculum development on nanosciences and nanotechnologies lessons; research on students' conceptualisations of nano-related…

Reports on a study designed to ascertain the proportion of children at different Piagetian stages of development in the general population, in selective schools, and in super-selective schools. Advocates the use of developmental data in curriculum development work. (GS)

This paper examines how using a series of lessons developed from the history of research on sickle cell anemia affects preservice teacher conceptions of the nature of science (NOS). The importance of a pedagogy that has students do science through an integral use of the history of science is effective at enriching students' NOS views is presented.…

Investigates secondary school students' concepts of isotopes and allotropes and how the concepts are linked to the Periodic Table of Elements (PTE). Questions senior high school students with multiple choice items and interviews. Shows that students actively tried to make sense of what they had experienced. (KHR)

Investigates how situational knowledge differs across individuals of different competence levels. Analyzes participants' descriptions of physics problem situations. Discusses the relationship between competence and the structure of problem situations, differences between experts and novices, and implications for teaching. (Author/KHR)

This document suggests how social studies classroom teachers on the high school level can use a concept approach to structure global studies programs. Global studies is interpreted to include a focus on the individual's search for meaning in various cultures as well as the more traditional study of world cultures. A major objective of the approach…

CREATING IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AN AWARENESS FOR THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY UPON THEIR DAILY LIVES WAS THE AIM OF THIS STUDY. A NEW ORIENTATION FOR INDUSTRIAL ARTS TEACHERS ATTEMPTED TO DEFINE A CURRICULUM AREA FOR COMPREHENSION OF THE BROAD SCOPE OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY, RATHER THAN THE USUAL FOCUS UPON ISOLATED TRADES, OCCUPATIONS, OR…

Questions the approach used to the topic of energy in Nuffield Secondary Science. Indicates that 14-year-old children will not be able to generalize from the experiments to see a pattern energing, and the concept of energy involves understanding of other concepts that the children have not yet attained. (GS)

Intended as an instructional aid for teachers of general business and other secondary school business courses, this annual bulletin discusses the following four general economic concepts: Opportunity costs, supply and demand, industrial organization, and marginal analysis. For each concept, principles are developed which can often be applied in…

Describes similarities and differences between modeling cycles and stages of development. Includes examples of relevant constructs underlying children's developing ways of thinking about fractions, ratios, rates, proportions, or other mathematical ideas. Concludes that modeling cycles appear to be local or situated versions of the general stages…

This guide is intended to help senior high school social studies teachers develop elective courses on Canadian history, culture, and economic life. There are four modules: Regionalism; The French Fact; the Cultural Mosaic; Canadian Identity; and Canada in World Affairs. For each module concepts to be developed and understandings to be reached by…

Discusses three articles by Vincent Lanier, E. Louis Lankford, and Kenneth M. Lansing pertaining to Discipline Based Art Education that appeared in a previous issue of this journal. Points out the positive aspects and shortcomings of each. (AEM)

This paper documents a pilot study designed to explore the ideas of high school students regarding the nature and role of theories, an aspect of the nature of science (NOS) that continues to be problematic for students, teachers, and the general public. Although there is a much greater emphasis on the nature of science in standards documents,…

To counteract the popular misconception among Canadian high school students that Canada's past is bland, the article describes an introductory unit in Canadian history which uses historian's ideas and conflicting viewpoints selectively to create a stimulating subject. Learning activities, teaching techniques, and handouts are described. (DB)

Describes a study in which teaching and learning activities are designed using a cognitive conflict strategy. Focuses on the effectiveness of these activities in classroom research in pre-university courses in Botswana and South Africa. Contains 39 references. (DDR)