Analyzes how textbooks define and describe an earthquake focus or hypocenter. Provides examples from textbooks that reflect an absence of precision in words and diagrams that can foster misconceptions. Discusses the origin of the problems. (DDR)

Reports on the analysis of several syllabus guidelines and school textbooks that indicate that DNA appears mainly in upper school curricula where the emphasis is on cellular responses and classical Mendelian genetics and substantial areas of contemporary genetics are omitted. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Supports the use of a science experiment option in the high school curriculum to enhance student learning. Presents a science experiment rubric and connects the use of science projects with standards. (DDR)

Asserts that project-based learning offers a rich, child-centered approach that organizes and integrates curriculum. Describes a project to create a videotape about hurricanes, specifically illustrating: (1) reasons for projects; (2) student interest; (3) planning; (4) researching; (5) skills; (6) documentation; (7) video planning; (8) video…

Describes an ecology curriculum primarily for elementary school students but also adaptable to junior and senior high school classes. Includes investigative and inquiry-based laboratory problems to accompany inquiry-based teaching. Connects the science learning that happens in school to students' own experiences. (SOE)

Presents the case for the use of bogs as ideal sites for hundreds of interdisciplinary lessons that combine chemistry, geology, various branches of biology, and wetlands archaeology. Includes general guidelines to aid in the design of interdisciplinary bog studies. (DDR)

Presents the results of a survey on volcanism completed by secondary students (N=1000) in Northern Italy. Findings indicate that these students, who live in a non-volcanic area, firmly believe that their area is volcanic. (DDR)

Outlines a workshop for teachers that illustrates a method of extracting DNA and provides instructions on how to do some simple work with DNA without sophisticated and expensive equipment. Provides details on viscosity studies and breaking DNA molecules. (DDR)

Describes a radiation experiment developed to complement a new environmental chemistry laboratory curriculum. A scintillation counter is used to measure radon in water. The procedure relies on the fact that toluene will preferentially extract radon from water. Sample preparation is complete in less than 90 minutes. Because the level of…

This paper advocates a philosophy of science teaching that embraces intellectual conflict, suggesting that it is important to engage students in productive intellectual conflict in order to teach for conceptual change. Presents two approaches that could actualize the philosophy of "teaching the conflicts" within science instruction. (SM)

Focuses on the gap between research findings and implementation of the results into science teacher education programs, curricula, and professional practices. Addresses one implementation issue that needs to inform future research, teacher education, professional development, and classroom instruction: How views of science, learning, discourse,…

Analyzes the science frameworks of 49 states and the District of Columbia to determine the emphasis given to evolution in these documents at the middle and secondary levels. Collectively, the 50 frameworks emphasized evolution in a manner that suggests that if the public's support for standards-based curricula is a reality, the study of evolution…

Comments on Fensham's suggestion for a change of driver for developing new curricula in school science. Discusses the support needed for a curriculum driven by societal experts, unintentional contributions to the existing problem, and a personal research agenda. (Author/YDS)

Offers a psychological role that external representations can play in the process of refining intuitive ideas into scientific knowledge. Presents an argument for this role through historical analysis of Galileo's ramp experiments, then through documentation of an innovative 6th grade classroom activity. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents research on gifted children in primary science. Discusses the implications of the research for the identification of students gifted in science and for preparing a successful science curriculum for these students. (DDR)