This paper reviews science education research conducted with students having behavioral disorders. Both textbook-based approaches and activities-based approaches were found. Guidelines for teaching science to this population are provided, such as making participation in desirable activities contingent upon appropriate behavior and providing…

Uses computers to aid in teaching one property of the chaos theory: sensitivity to initial conditions. Provides demonstrations that illustrate that science and physics do not and cannot have all the answers to questions asked regarding the causes of natural phenomena. (ZWH)

This paper introduces a series on the topic and presents a science education framework for teaching students with disabilities. Curriculum and instructional perspectives are reviewed, and the "guided meaning" approach is recommended as an inquiry-based strategy. A thematic scheme for organizing and developing science programs is proposed.…

Defines a few major reasons for the frequent failure of laboratory instructional methods and outlines some modes of thinking that seem to promise greater effectiveness and firmer justification for maintaining the laboratory as an essential component of physics teaching. (MVL)

The purpose of this article is to indicate another way of looking at duality and to propose an alternative approach to the teaching of quantum theory at the introductory level. (MVL)

Highlights assessment issues which the Department of Biological Sciences at the Manchester Metropolitan University has addressed in developing an integrated approach to course provision, in particular for implementing first-year laboratory practical units. Beneficial outcomes and some continuing problems are also considered. (LZ)

Examines the effects of changes in college admission requirements on the prior knowledge and skills base of entry-level university students in the United Kingdom. Discusses the impact of the introduction of General National Vocational Qualifications for college admission as an acceptable alternative to the traditional A-level entry qualification.…

Addresses multiculturalism in science education reform: (1) problems with the universalist account of the nature of science; (2) an examination of some historical cases that illuminate the consequences of maintaining a universalist perspective on science; and (3) an argument for a multicultural perspective on scientific knowledge. Argues that the…

Presents a sample exercise developed for use in a student-driven classroom as part of a first-year, one-semester course, "Mechanisms of Biology." The approach places each student in an active role as questioner and as an intrinsic part of the course structure itself. The exercise is given on the first day of the course as a primer. (LZ)

Discusses different meanings of integration of mathematics and science (discipline specific, content specific, process, methodological, and thematic) and instructional implications of these approaches. (12 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes a computer-based prelaboratory lecture to replace traditional lecture. Discusses how the CUPLE method was developed, the course structure, and a typical course day. (MVL)

Presents a concept-map scheme that provides a consistent syntax and grading system for using concept maps as assessment tools. The grading scheme awards points for demonstrating hierarchies, relationships, branching, and cross links. Examples showing the use of the key are presented. (PR)

Describes mistakes made in trying to change the Nutrition and Digestion section of a medical biochemistry course. Author tried to make the section student taught and reports nine mistakes including the following: ignoring active opposition of colleagues, failure to assess the receptivity of the class to a new form of teaching, and overestimating…

Reports a follow-up survey of 1,565 high school physics students in Oregon to determine whether and why they had taken physics in college. Results indicated that roughly half of the 590 students responding went on to study physics and that students from schools offering multiple physics courses had higher rates of continuation. (MDH)

As optometry expands its science curriculum, teaching methods must be examined. Instructional modalities must fit teaching needs, facilitate and improve student learning capacity, and be efficient; the student must participate as much as possible; and faculty must be aware of what colleagues are teaching and be receptive to new methods. (MSE)