Presents an overview of claims and counterclaims in the debate over the kinds of writing tasks that enable secondary students to learn about science and demonstrate scientific understanding. Constructivist views on language and learning are examined, and a model is proposed to guide writing for learning in secondary science. (SM)

Argues that empowering parents is the first step toward improving females' achievement in science. Describes the Sisters in Science (SIS) program that aims to unite the role of parents with the other factors that promote female success in science. Discusses policy and practical implications that can be drawn from the work of the SIS program.…

Discusses curricular innovation, educational reform, and the advancement of information and communications technologies and describes a study in Hong Kong that explored knowledge construction using a computer mediated communication platform called Knowledge Forum. Explains how primary schools participated in building learning communities through…

Describes how high school biology teachers can use the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program protocols and data in their classrooms. Includes background information on plant phenology, an overview of GLOBE phenology protocols and materials, and implications for protocols with both deciduous trees and grasses…

Engages middle school students and preservice teachers in a long-term (16 weeks) investigation of the moon and provides an opportunity to share, via the internet, their observations with other students around the world. Explains the design of the study including multicultural connections, student observations, internet discussions, and…

Explains the use of student reflections as a way of promoting instructional scaffolding. Concludes that scaffolding helps students develop skills through a structured practice of those skills within a specific subject matter, electricity. (SOE)

Describes the Crime Lab Project, which takes an economical, hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to studying the career of forensics in the middle or high school classroom. Includes step-by-step student requirements for the investigative procedure, a sample evidence request form, and an assessment rubric. (KHR)

Early and ongoing exposure to entomology promotes interest in insects, minimizes fear of nature, and instills appreciation for biodiversity. Three effective ways to introduce young children to the study of insects are: live collections for observation and investigation, re-creation of insects through artistic constructions to learn structure and…

Examines the induction of two middle school science teachers as partners in a job sharing arrangement in lieu of student teaching, describing how they worked together and supported each other's attempts to implement student-centered practices and likening their mutual support to a marriage partnerships. The two teachers mentored each other through…

Describes a professional development program, Teacher in the Woods, which is a 6-week summer research experience in the national forests of the Pacific Northwest. Uses standardized performance assessment to measure student progress and changes teachers' approach to teaching by creating greater motivation, confidence, knowledge, and skills in…

This literature review synthesizes the effects of technology-assisted instruction on the learning of students with mild and moderate disabilities for the 1988-95 period. Empirically based findings are discussed in the skill areas of reading, written expression, whole language, and mathematics, and in the content areas of social studies and…

Surveys of predominantly Asian students in college preparatory chemistry classes examined their views of themselves as scientists and readers and writers of science material. Results indicated that gender was related to students' views of themselves as scientists and writers of science. Family and extracurricular science activities were powerful…

Reviews evidence on gender inequities in science education and gender differences in "ways of knowing" and argues that making science instruction more effective can promote greater equity. Describes a conceptual change approach to science instruction that explicitly activates students' preexisting conceptions and misconceptions and helps students…

Describes research that documents the falsification of laboratory results by chemistry and physics students. Discusses some factors that encourage students to fabricate results and why some students do not feel the need to falsify data. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Describes the application of a teaching model to the teaching of a science course entitled Changes in Matter. Discusses the teaching sequence and the outcomes of the unit in terms of students' conceptual development. Concludes that the approach requires a conceptual, methodological, and attitudinal change for teachers and students. (DDR)