Reports research concerning the definition of variables by pupils ages 12 to 14 during investigative work. Findings suggest that an increase in the complexity of an investigation lowers the ability to identify relevant variables and substantive concepts intrude on the ability to define the appropriate dependent variable and to control variables.…

Presents an activity from the track and field unit of the Science of Sporting Events program in which teachers and students experiment with four broad jump techniques in order to determine which method will allow them to jump the farthest. Enables students to use a variety of math and science skills including observing, predicting, measuring, and…

Discusses the importance of teaching scientific ethics and the use of the case method in which ethical issues are raised in the context of realistic situations. Describes the use of this method with a high school audience. Concludes that the case method is an effective technique for discussing scientific ethics with high school students. (JRH)

Describes alternative instructional resources such as media to provide up-to-date scientific information to students to prevent misinformation. Uses cartoons, videos, and newspaper headlines to develop critical thinking and science process skills. (YDS)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit on tabloids that includes English and science components. Aims to develop informed customers who can analyze and research information using process skills. Emphasizes writing, critical thinking, and process skills. (YDS)

Reports on a study designed to reveal the contents of the conversations of two main age groups of primary children who visited three types of animal exhibits: (1) at a museum; (2) live animals at the zoo; and (3) animated dinosaurs and preserved animals. The results raise concerns about whether effective science teaching is occurring in these…

Presents a rationale for including experiences that draw profound reactions of pleasure or revulsion in the science classroom. Provides some suggestions for using them effectively. Discusses content knowledge, process skills, language development, scientific attitudes, tips for using novel experiences, and marveling at mysteries. (JRH)

Compares whole language and process-oriented science and discusses the similarities between them. (KHR)

Discusses the use of direct demonstration of the connections among the science process skills and the content areas of science. (MKR)

Discusses the implications of Wallis Suchting's comprehensive search for a definition of the nature of scientific thought for helping students develop scientific thinking skills and an adequate understanding of the nature of science. Discusses implications that relate specifically to the science education community's current conceptions of science…

A new model for problem solving is broken down into four overlapping and interactive processes: Problem Posing, Problem Approach, Problem Solutions, and Communication. Figures illustrate the skills used in this new image of science problem solving, and a ninth-grade science investigation employing the processes is described. (LZ)

Students (n=46) were assigned to one of three instructional groups (descriptive, question design, and hypothesis testing) to test the hypothesis that descriptive learning cycles are not sufficient to stimulate students to reason at a formal operational level. Analyses indicated that the hypothesis-testing group exhibited a significant increase on…

Describes an assessment tool called the 4P's (pretest, posttest, portfolio, and performance) designed to assess hands-on science. (ZWH)

Discusses ways for teachers to help science students understand what makes a good description of a problem in a scientific investigation. (WRM)

Computer-based simulations of scientific phenomena provide learner-centered environments within which students can explore systems, manipulate variables, and test hypotheses. Explains how simulations fit into the big picture of instruction and offers recommendations for developing a written guide for students, determining student accountability,…