Advocates the use of springtails (Collembola) in the K-12 classroom as a model invertebrate that can easily be reared and manipulated to demonstrate key concepts in biology. Describes experimental procedures using springtails. (SAH)

Presents investigative approaches to teaching molecular biology. Emphasizes a deductive determination of the nature of nucleic acids visualized in a gel, and a comparison of different genomes. Asks why students should take it on faith that what they view on a gel is DNA. (SAH)

Discusses "Philosophy for Children," a K-12 curriculum employing a pedagogy called the "community of inquiry." Discusses thinking and democracy; cognition in the classroom; teaching distributed thinking (text-as-model); promoting discussion and a community of inquiry; learning to do philosophy; philosophy and judgment; and the…

Argues that the National Science Education Standards is an atheoretical document because it fails to prescribe scientific theories worth knowing, define the role of scientific theories in scientific literacy, or outline a framework to conduct research on the inquiry method. (DDR)

Describes WebQuests as inquiry-oriented activities in which most information is found on the World Wide Web and is designed to engage higher-level thinking skills. Offers suggestions on how to design good WebQuests that will offer quality materials, emphasizing the importance of finding good Web sites to base them on. (LRW)

Documents an instructional methodology to teach a fundamental reasoning skill during scientific inquiry: the evaluation of empirical evidence against multiple hypotheses. Uses an instructional framework with iterative cycles that lends itself to authentic scientific inquiry by providing a nontraditional approach to three aspects of learning: (1)…

Introduces the Earth Science Summer Institute for elementary teachers, a program of professional development in content and inquiry. Focuses on concepts and learning demonstrating the interconnectedness of earth science topics. (Author/YDS)

Introduces a chemistry course designed for preservice teachers that focuses on increasing the knowledge of students using hands-on, constructivist, inquiry-based science experiences. (YDS)

Examines the kind of peer learning that demands high-level cognitive processing, discussing how peer interaction influences cognitive processes (structuring peer interaction and using guided reciprocal peer questioning); how to promote cognitive processing (knowledge construction and integration and socio- cognitive conflict); metacognition; and…

Shares some ideas about facilitating inquiry-based learning in the classroom, in independent studies, in libraries, museums, communities, and all the arenas of life in which people attempt to make sense of experience and grow. Notes that the "Web-linked Inquiry Units" provide a tangible form of a community of inquiry as well as insights for future…

Explores the performance of n=142 high schools students at the 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science test who are enrolled in a project based science (PBS) program as compared to a national sample of students. Recommends using inquiry-based approach such as PBS to implement reform in schools. (Contains 32 references.)…

Discusses current reforms and reform documents in science and mathematics education with regard to problem solving and inquiry. Considers assessment methods of inquiry to measure students' performance relative to current reforms. (Author/ASK)

Classroom observations and student interviews revealed that students perceived science as primarily a set of facts to be learned and did not view it as an inquiry method or a social process. Presents student and teacher perceptions and discusses recreating the learning environment to make it more consistent with contemporary perspectives on the…

Introduces the Technology-Based Learning in School Science (tBLISS) project which investigates the feasibility of technology-based science curriculum implementation and examines the science process skills of students. Water is the major theme of the curriculum. (YDS)

Reviews arguments both for and against the personal as/in academic writing, suggesting that even supporters of experiential writing generally fall short of establishing its argument-based role. Examines the advantages as well as the dangers of conjuring stories as evidence in order to argue for the necessity of establishing effective standards of…