Investigated the appropriateness of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) for elementary school students. Reports that children expanded their repertoire of graph-making and interpreting skills and MBLs supported scientific inquiry for and by the children. (28 references) (Author/JRH)

Reports a study that examined the generalizability of selective-attention and academic-studying hypotheses to a modified science chart medium. The adjunct questions used in this study were designed to selectively focus students' attention on specific columns in a modified science chart, with the goal of improving student achievement on a test…

Presented are 13 concepts considered important in estuarine education. These concepts were chosen by a panel of professionals in estuarine education, research and management. Included are the study methods, results, and implications for science education. (KR)

Discussed is the idea that students come into their lessons with already preformed notions for many basic astronomical events. Examples of students' responses during an astronomy lesson are included. Suggestions for uncovering students' alternative frameworks are presented. (KR)

Clarifies the idea of prediction in science teaching by distinguishing between the two extremes of guessing and making logical deductions. Discusses the use of predictions in testing teachers' and students' explanations. (MDH)

Responses of 322 university sophomores (education majors) on an evolution problem "How could the bat have evolved wings?" are analyzed and classified. Concludes that misunderstandings are logical. (PR)

This article describes the genesis and development of concept mapping as a tool for science education. It also offers an overview of this special issue of the "Journal of Research in Science Teaching" and comments on the current state of knowledge representation. Suggestions for further research are made. (49 references) (Author/PR)

Describes how three biology textbooks present content related to photosynthesis through construct of elaboration. Concept maps were created for each textbook. Results are discussed in terms of quantity of elaboration, relevance of ideas used to elaborate major concepts, relationship of nature of elaboration to intended readers, and general…

Interviews were conducted with grade 10 students (n=34) who had received 4 years of physics instruction. Interview's focus was to understand students' responses from their point of view. The results of the study confirm and deepen findings from other studies concerning students' severe difficulties in learning the energy concept, the particle…

The purpose of this study involving 12 classrooms was twofold: (1) to understand the conceptual frameworks that sixth-grade students use to explain the nature of matter and molecules, and (2) to assess the effectiveness of 2 alternative curriculum units in promoting students' scientific understanding. Results reveal that students' entering…

Beginning physics students (n=42) were constrained to analyze mechanics problems according to a hierarchical scheme that integrated concepts, principles, and procedures. After five one-hour sessions, students increased their reliance on the use of principles in categorizing problems according to similarity of solution and in writing qualitative…

Changing ideas about the origin of the Silurian Clinton oolitic ironstones in eastern United States provide an instructive example of how interpretations develop as knowledge increases. (PR)

Describes a course, "Great Ideas in Science," for undergraduate nonscience major students. The course emphasizes a few key overarching concepts in physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to introduce students to the essential aspects of science without getting involved in the complex vocabulary or rigorous mathematical derivations. (PR)

The principles of magma addition and liquid layering in magma chambers can be demonstrated by dissolving colored crystals. The concepts of density stratification and apparent lack of mixing of miscible liquids is convincingly illustrated with hydrous solutions at room temperature. The behavior of interstitial liquids in "cumulus" piles…

Discusses three teachers' syntactical subject matter knowledge in science. The focus of the discussion is the link between teachers' views of the growth of scientific knowledge and the methods they use to help students construct a knowledge of science. (IAH)