The challenges of contemporary society require pupils to make informed decisions and take responsible actions on problems related to science and technology. This work provides guidelines to support teachers in the design of learning scenarios that enable achievement of these goals. Two classroom examples based on contemporary news events explain…

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of microscope simulation software on prospective science teachers' laboratory achievements, microscope use, laboratory reports and views on microscope which was prepared for general biology laboratory. The case study design was adopted for the research. The participants were 49 science teacher…

The study of vibration in uniform beams provides physics teachers with a platform by which a broad range of physics vibration-related topics can be explored without expensive and specialized equipment. This paper presents two laboratory exercises related to lateral beam vibrations. These exercises use beam theory coupled with free sound-analysis…

In recent years, educational researchers have investigated teacher-student interactions in science classrooms, paying particular attention to interaction patterns and the purpose of such interactions. Although different patterns and purposes have been uncovered through these investigations, there is little research on how college instructors use…

This study was designed to delve into the impact of differentiated science education for gifted students on prospective classroom teachers in terms of some variables. A concurrent embedded research design from mixed research methodologies was employed in this study. The participants were 69 sophomore students studying in the Department of Primary…

This study describes how culturally relevant pedagogy in a project-based science class improved student engagement and comprehension. We focus on bicultural students exploring cultural objects and household inventions with family members and connecting scientific concepts to their families' funds of knowledge. We use a multiple-case study design…

The aim of research was to reveal the views of preschool teachers on using out-of-school learning environments in preschool education. It was a qualitative research conducted by phenomenological method and eleven preschool teachers from Turkey were included in it. The research data was obtained by interview and the interview form prepared by the…

Citizen science projects are an increasingly popular way to engage the public in the process of science. However, few studies have evaluated learning outcomes beyond knowledge gains in formal learning settings with youth. This study evaluated the effects of a classroom-based citizen science project in which middle and high school students…

The theory of evolution can be a useful basis for developing students' understanding of ecology. Our study used concept maps to examine the development of sixth-grade students' understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem following several evolution 'Science Days' conducted at 'Nature Campus' -- an informal learning environment comprised of a natural…

Previous study on the nature of science indicated that the use of activities is essential and important in the teaching of the nature of science subjects. The aim of the research is to develop alternative activities for helping students in the seventh grade of middle school develop their views on the nature of science and for better teaching the…

Students preparing to enter medical fields are required to take physics. To increase their interest in physics, a low-cost classroom medical activity is presented introducing them to the basics of endoscopic visualization and navigation. Incorporated in the activity are basic surgical techniques such as resection with single or multiple operators.…

Andragogy provides a framework for how adults learn, and contemporary researchers have explored its validity and usefulness in varied contexts. This article joins the discussion by examining andragogy in an as-yet-unstudied setting--an outdoor science education event (HJA Day). In this mixed-methods study, we examine how andragogy applies to HJA…

According to the National Research Council, the ability to collaboratively solve problems is of the utmost importance in scientific careers, yet students are not exposed to learning experiences that promote such expertise. Recent studies have found that interdependent roles used within collaborative mobile games are an effective way to scaffold…

Wave physics phenomena can be observed in everyday life and represent a fundamental prerequisite to many domains of classical and modern physics. Lots of studies demonstrate that novices have to face important learning difficulties in approaching this topic. The study of string vibrations' modes allows an educational introduction to basic…

The "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS") emphasize integrating engineering design into the science classroom (NGSS Lead States 2013). Inventing is an authentic and relevant classroom approach, regardless of content area, located at one end of a design continuum opposite from routine problem solving. Invention, at the…