Describes children's conceptions of the structure and function of the human digestive system based on an investigation carried out with children aged 4-10 (n=45). Finds that children possess biological knowledge as an independent knowledge domain from the age of four. Discusses acquisition of and barriers to scientific concepts related to human…

Describes a simple model that illustrates concepts about time and its relation to terrestrial longitude. The model also simulates the diurnal motion of the sun and moon and their changing positions against the background stars. (Author/WRM)

Some serious difficulties that students have in understanding physical optics may be due in part to a lack of understanding of light as an electromagnetic wave. Describes the development and use of tutorials designed to address students' conceptual difficulties. (Contains over 15 references.) (Author/WRM)

Critiques the scientific merit of a claim against evolution that is based on a calculation of the level of salt in the oceans. (WRM)

A case is made that the term "science" in reference to special education is misused, and that the methods of empiricist science are inappropriately applied to the study of special education. Article concludes that many of the criticisms leveled at special education can be traced back to this misunderstanding of science. (Author/CR)

Pre/posttest data from six elementary teachers who received inservice training in science showed that the training enabled them to acquire a scientific view of the concept of energy efficiency. Before training, they tended to confuse it with energy conservation. (SK)

Details a study that tests the effectiveness of brief instruction on the causes of night and day and the seasons. Employs simple, inexpensive models. Findings are useful for science teacher educators. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Examines didactic strategies used for introducing preschoolers to the natural sciences. Describes general characteristics of activities based on empiricist or Piagetian theory of cognitive development. Discusses a new sociocognitive approach for developing natural-science kindergarten activities within the framework of Neo-Piagetian,…

In information science, it is important to consider the nature and meaning of theories of aboutness, subject analysis and related concepts, which are closely related to theoretical and metatheoretical issues in information retrieval (IR). A theory of IR must specify which concepts should be regarded as synonymous concepts and explain how the…

Discusses the long running debate on teaching evolution in public schools. Recommends using the 5E teaching cycle of engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate to show that scientific concepts and theories can be fundamental. (Contains 20 references.) (YDS)

Uses creative dramatics to introduce an exploration of the dynamics of pendulums. (YDS)

Presents activities for use during and after nature walks to help young children learn about trees. (PR)

Explores two ways of critically examining scientific knowledge in the context of a current socioscientific dispute: the unsterilized spacecraft in NASA's Galileo Mission to Jupiter. (PR)

Explains the scanning, tunneling microscope and its use in high school science instruction. (PR)

Presents information on insects as an illustration of the importance of biodiversity. Explains useful roles insects play in the ecosystem. (PR)