Argues that procedural understanding--or the "know-how" of science--is a key issue in employment but one that is not easily identified. When questioned about the science they use in their work, employers and employees tend to refer to traditional scientific concepts and find it difficult to describe the procedural knowledge required in…

Proposes that introductory physics courses extend the analysis of one-dimensional motion to a more sophisticated level. Gives four experimental setups and graphical analysis of the distance, velocity, and acceleration in the vertical and horizontal directions. (WRM)

Describes a model that (1) convincingly demonstrates a particle model of gas behavior, (2) can be used by students, (3) can be mass produced, and (4) illustrates other properties of matter such as simple crystal structures and states of matter. (WRM)

Describes a "dry laboratory" using data from virtual rats to help students understand the hormonal regulation of gastrointestinal function. (Author/WRM)

Traces how the idea of measuring the connection between school science and public awareness of science has emerged. Describes the Program for International Student Achievement (PISA) project's indicators of educational progress in science. Contains 28 references. (Author/WRM)

Reports on the extent to which the Principle of Relativity was employed by students when dealing with various phenomena. Concludes that the Principle of Relativity is not used as an heuristic tool in students' answers, and that the situations presented were not regarded as "problematic" by the students, who primarily used interpretive…

Discusses the strengths of the many lines of scientific evidence supporting the idea of human evolution and the importance of the agreement that exists between them. Argues that using humans as a case study in evolution allows educators to illustrate broader aspects of the nature of science and how the overall strength of any scientific…

Describes experiences with holding discussions on cloning at a variety of levels in undergraduate biology courses. Discusses teaching methods used and student reactions to the discussions. Contains 12 references. (WRM)

Suggests using everyday examples to help students describe the relationships that emerge from the evidence displayed on line graphs during science investigations. (WRM)

Summarizes how a group of teachers prepared a series of elementary-level inquiry experiences that focused on the study of land snails. Recommends and describes the K-W-L and Four Question inquiry strategies for younger and older students respectively. (WRM)

Presents some elementary-level science activities that can be used to study moving and falling objects. Provides background information on motion and force for elementary teachers. (WRM)

Presents a test of the limits of the Johnstone--El-Banna model of problem solving as related to students' responses to organic-synthesis problems. Finds that the predicted pattern was observed in both samples, although the model was more useful for students without previous problem-solving training and for field-independent and field-intermediate…

Presents an overview of the goals of the MindWorks program for science curriculum development. The project hopes to address student motivation, student understanding of the structure and workings of the physical world, and students' and teachers' ideas about the process and culture of scientific activity. Also discusses the progress of pilot…

Describes a study of preservice elementary teachers' (n=179) perceptions of geologic time. Finds that the respondents perceived events in Earth's geological past as falling into three distinct clusters: extremely ancient, less ancient, and geologically recent. Finds also that the teachers' grasp of relative time is more secure than their grasp of…

Contends that one way of improving student understanding of abstract ideas in the physical sciences is to use active, creative approaches in teaching such as drama. Describes three dramatic improvisations used by undergraduate elementary teacher trainees. Finds that drama helped the teachers explain abstract ideas and that the teachers valued this…