This paper is a review of literature about the use of computer simulations in science education. This review examines types and examples of computer simulations. The literature review indicated that although computer simulations cannot replace science classroom and laboratory activities completely, they offer various advantages both for classroom…

This paper describes a project meant to develop a standard for Hong Kong students' work in biology. The process involves defining students' work and setting standards for students aged 9, 12, and 16. Besides defining the academic and scientific knowledge to be achieved at various levels, the analysis also includes desirable skills and attitudes…

Assessment of elementary school students' knowledge about science is essential. Despite the existence of curricular materials and assessment tools for science content and concepts at all grade levels, there is very little information on how to assess the science process skills that students are expected to learn through science instruction. This…

Research indicates that the effectiveness of instruction in the elementary classroom is enhanced when it incorporates materials that actively engage students in the generation of scientific explanations. To this end, this document describes an exercise that allows Kindergarten students to explore the basic principles of animal behavior in an…

This study seeks answers for the questions: How do young children express wonder and curiosity in the classroom culture? and How do teachers of young children foster wonder and curiosity? Teacher behavior has an effect on students, fostering students' curiosity and wonder or the opposite. This study also explores the efficiency of an observation…

Argues for the need to provide students with independent scientific research experiences to explore scientific developments that have changed their world. Enables students to develop minds-on science skills through scientific inquiry. (DDR)

Reports on a study that assesses the effects of the application of visual information-processing theory to the design of a laboratory manual for chemistry. Focuses on the effects on content learning, practical skill mastery, and attitudes of university students enrolled in a general chemistry course. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Presents an exercise to demonstrate two fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics: the Reynolds number and the Principle of Continuity. The exercise demonstrates flow in a major blood vessel, such as the aorta, with and without a stenosis. Students observe the transition from laminar to turbulent flow as well as downstream persistence of turbulence.…

Explains how basic mapping skills are taught in a large lab space using various arrangements of books to portray structural information. Reports an increase in student confidence and ability to synthesize data during field work. (DDR)

Introduces a professional development workshop designed for in-service secondary school science teachers that provides experiences for teachers in inquiry-based physical science. Features three components: (1) a three week summer institute; (2) two one-day, follow-up workshops; and (3) classroom visitation. Promotes the inquiry approach in science…

Presents an interdisciplinary unit on consumer product testing. Introduces students to term bias in predictions and investigates the claims in advertisements with research to make a decision on products. (YDS)

Explains the place of science process skills in a quality science program. Introduces activities for the basic and integrated science skills that will lead to an understanding of the basic element of scientific literacy. Describes definitions, activities, and assessment techniques for developing interpreting data, controlling variables,…

Reports the results of research that explores how scientific literacy sustains belief in pseudoscientific claims. The population of college biology students who were non-biology majors completed questionnaires which were assessed and used to plan instruction. (DDR)

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.…

The Assessment of Performance Unit recognized the importance of reading and interpreting data but saw them as discrete aspects of "process" science. However, pupil performance on different components of the same data-handling assessment question is often very variable, indicating that these questions carry "hidden" cognitive…