Describes a classroom unit that provides preschoolers with hands-on experience, using common dirt as a way to develop scientific thinking and foster an appreciation of biology, ecology, and the natural world. Focuses on practicing the basic steps in the scientific process, including prediction, observation, documentation, conclusions, and…

Investigates the impact of computer simulation on students' academic achievement and their mastery of science process skills with regard to their cognitive stages. Based on the computer simulation program "The Growth Curve of Microorganisms" which requires 10th grade biology students to use problem solving skills while simultaneously…

Sixty-seven students participated in a study that used path analysis techniques to test a hypothesized structural model of direct and indirect causal effects of students variables on science process skills. Academic ability, biology knowledge, and language preference were found to have significant direct effect, whereas cognitive development,…

This study focused on students' development of inquiry skills in a computerized learning environment. Seven Year-11 classes (n=120) interacted with a computerized database, "Birds of Antarctica," and curriculum materials while the teacher used an inquiry approach to learning. Students perceived their classes as more investigative and…

Provides a series of questions for students to consider when observing construction sites. The thoughtful observations can help students with principles of science. (PR)

Addresses the teacher's role in the integration of science and technology studies within an educational reform in Israeli junior high schools. Concludes that a realistic goal would be to enable science and technology teachers to cooperate with one another. Contains 35 references. (DDR)

Reports on a study of the contributions fieldwork made to Spanish secondary students' (n=67) understandings of concepts and principles of ecology. Concludes that fieldwork helps clarify ecological concepts and intervenes directly in the development of more favorable attitudes toward the defense of the ecosystem. Contains 47 references. (Author/WRM)

Presents a lesson that addresses the scientific aspects of the evolution versus special creation controversy by having students gather evidence from the fossil record and analyze that evidence using critical-thinking skills. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Examines whether secondary science teachers in England give students opportunities to develop and rehearse the skills of argumentation during their lessons. Finds that classroom discourse was largely teacher-dominated and tended not to foster the reflective discussion of scientific issues. Contains 43 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes how oral and written-discourse processes in a high school physics class are related to sociocultural practices in scientific communities. Finds that students' appropriation of scientific discourse was related to the framing activities of the teachers and the social practices established over time in the classroom. Contains 74 references.…

Argues that the United Kingdom's National Curriculum recommendations regarding data analysis tasks do not explain the specific activities clearly enough to assist teachers in deciding what practices to follow. Presents research that shows that the range of data-analysis tasks that pupils can perform depends on the type of data as well as on the…

Describes an activity to help students understand how feathers help insulate a bird's body. (WRM)

Describes a study of the ways in which 9- to 16-year-old students attempted logical problems related to coordinating theory and evidence when the theories in question are scientific. Finds that most students made some reference to evidence in selecting and using their explanations, although most students also seemed capable of holding theory and…

Beginning secondary students find it easier to express their understanding of scientific evidence verbally rather than in writing. Concludes that much work can be done to improve the critical nature of the dialog pupils enter into in their written work, thus making their level of procedural understanding more clear. Contains 27 references.…