Presents an overview of research on analogies in education conducted over the last 15 years. It includes metaphors in an analysis of the educational power of analogies. The role of analogies is analyzed from a constructivist position. (PR)

The outcomes of two studies reported here indicate that the teacher inservice workshops, combined with activity-based science lessons, affected students' attitudes and perceptions about electricity. Australian and U.S. studies produced different patterns and are explored and explained in the paper. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/PR)

From respondents to a questionnaire sent to a random sample of 654 Texas biology teachers, the following conclusions were made: 86% agreed evolution should be taught, 47% agreed it was a central theme in biology, 8% indicated that it conflicted with the Bible, and 7% noted there were more useful alternative theories explaining the history of the…

Describes the activities of the Salish consortium, a group of people who are interested in developing and researching collaborative models of science teacher preparation and development. The consortium will focus on the preparation of science teachers as defined by the emerging U.S. National Science Education Standards and Assessment. (PR)

Explains how the surface of a freshly sliced potato can be used for a variety of enzyme action experiments including the influence of pH on enzyme action, the enzyme denaturation potential of boiling water, the inhibition of enzymes by heavy metals, and the effects of salt concentration on enzyme effectiveness. (PR)

Shows how a memory aid can help teachers focus their short-term planning in terms of curricular and formative assessment. Delineates the essential elements of high-quality, short-term planning in science education. (DDR)

Describes activities from workshops with teachers on science-education standards that focus on content standards related to earth and space sciences. Activities include observing changing shadows and shadows at morning, noon, and at night. (DDR)

Compares the degree to which two qualifications that are pitched at the same level--General Certificate of Education Advanced Level and the Advanced Science General National Vocational Qualification--meet the needs of employers and tutors in higher education. (DDR)

Introduces some ideas for using space in classrooms. Provides a rationale for using space as part of the curriculum and focuses on the concept of a space mission as a vehicle for learning. Includes a list of some space-related web sites. (DDR)

A recent study indicated students in the United States do not understand basic math and science as well as students in other countries, and will not be prepared for decision making in a largely scientific and technological world. Suggests ways for parents to emphasize science at school, at home, on school field trips, with science fairs, and with…

Closed laboratories are becoming an increasingly popular approach to teaching introductory computer science courses, as they facilitate structured problem-solving and cooperation. However, most closed laboratories have been designed and implemented without embedded instructional research components for constant evaluation of the laboratories'…

Skill in reading diverse genres of scientific texts, including media reports, is an important aspect of scientific literacy that some experts argue should be included in the science curriculum. To understand current and potential uses of media reports in classrooms, we conducted research in three areas. First, we examined major science education…

Using a theoretical perspective of communities of practice, this case study examines a prospective chemistry teacher's inquiry-based teaching during his practicum. Conrad was a former student of an inquiry-oriented science course, "Inquiry Empowering Technologies" (IET). The research questions were (a) How did Conrad translate the IET inquiry…

The Republic of Senegal, formerly a French colony, is the westernmost country in Africa. It is a three-party democracy, with 92% of the population being Muslim. The structure of education is still closely modelled on the French system of "Elementaire" (Basic) from 7 to 13, "Moyen" (Middle) from 13 to 16 and…

The original project, the foundation for all subsequent work, was set up in 1981 by Michael Shayer, with Philip Adey and Carolyn Yates, and became known as CASE @ KS3 (Adey and Shayer, 1994). CASE stands for Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education. The original CASE project drew on Piaget's work on the stage theory of cognitive…