Argues for an emphatic role for theory in everyday science teaching. Contrasts science's confidence in its theories with those of other sorts which students encounter in their everyday lives. Discusses common denominator science teaching in which teachers teach science in units based on different sciences. (DDR)

Discusses the relationship between teaching and research in higher education and how they are sometimes one and the same. Provides a perspective on scientific literacy, thoughts on the role of scientists in talking with the public about science, and the rationale for making a video course about chemistry. (DDR)

Analyzes the ways in which some beginning primary school teachers cope when faced with teaching science. Examines aspects of a group of beginning primary teachers' science teaching practices in order to better understand the basis of their practice. Finds that activities that work have a close relationship with science Pedagogical Content…

Explains the design and implementation of a student research project called Project SunSHINE. Explores the relationships between ultraviolet light and humidity, temperature, cloud type, and cloud cover. (SOE)

Reports on Project 3 from the Evidence-based Practice in Science Education (EPSE) Research Network. This project explores issues surrounding the inability of many science teachers to enable students to understand the nature of science. (DDR)

Examines a classification system that offers a framework for discussing and choosing questions regarding curricular organization, classroom environment, and teaching and learning strategies. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Recommends the use of origami to construct models of unit cells and crystalline structures. Provides templates and suggestions for use with students. (DDR)

Reports on a study that explored the types of questions that students ask for open-ended science investigations. Discusses how teachers can help students identify problems and pose questions that are feasible for investigation. (Contains 55 references.) (DDR)

Unit of study about rocks and the layers of the Earth focuses on building children's respect for nature by developing feelings of intimate relationship. Lesson plans include science activities (rock gathering, Earth models); "drama from the outside" (ritual to promote respect); literature readings; and "dramas from the inside"…

Provides a description of a program in Maine that emphasizes the relevance of earth science to students' everyday lives with classroom activities that address real societal issues such as wise management of habitats. Includes two of the activities from the curriculum materials. (DDR)

Presents research founded on a socio-ecological approach to environmental education that includes individual and structural aspects of environmental awareness and problem solving. Presents one instrument used in discussions with teacher teams. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Describes Jigsaw Teaching, a cooperative learning approach, in relation to mineral identification. This technique may also be applied to rock identification. Students work in groups of four and learn to identify 20 minerals, becoming an "expert" on five of them. Helping to teach other students reinforces what each student has learned.…

Highlights the need to make the undergraduate physics laboratory more exciting and commensurate with the time assigned for it in the curriculum. Suggests establishing a model undergraduate physics laboratory at one place then reproducing it in five places for a massive reorientation program for teachers. Contains brief outlines of 30 experiments…

Reports the results of a survey that assesses the breadth of implementation of environmental education in local public schools, the integration of environmental education within the existing school curriculum, and the impact environmental education has had on the school. (DDR)

Presents an activity in which students investigate the chemistry behind color-changing markers. Includes the objectives, materials, procedures, and follow-up for the activities. (DDR)