The existence, before any formal physics instruction, of schemata which lead to an idiosyncratic interpretation of real world events, which physicists see as exemplifying principles of physics, is now well established. Because these interpretations are often at variance with physicists' interpretations, they have been labeled, among others,…

This article reports the results of a study with 70 senior undergraduate biological science majors enrolled in a required course on "Writing and Speaking in the Biological Sciences". Students enrolled in this course were expected to develop oral scientific presentations of their research projects that exemplified the norms of speaking in…

In 1990, a statewide study was conducted to examine issues which affected the teaching of science in Florida's community colleges and to make recommendations for improvement. The study involved reviews of the literature and existing data, the selection of an advisory committee and committee meetings, site hearings, and the creation and…

This bibliography contains over 1,000 entries organized into seven sections. These include: (1) "Women in Science Bibliographies"; (2) "Journals and Periodicals Which Have Devoted Whole Issues or Frequent Articles to Women in Sciences"; (3) "Biographies and Autobiographies of Women Scientists"; (4) "Differences Between the Sexes--As Proposed by…

This document contains the transcript of a senate hearing on the crisis in science and math education. The document includes the opening statements of Senators Glenn, Kohl, Bingaman, Lieberman, Heinz, and Sasser, and the testimony of seven witnesses including: Honorable Mark O. Hatfield, Senator from the State of Oregon; Carl Sagan, Ph.D. Cornell…

This study was designed as a systematic investigation of the feasibility and effectiveness of student authored videodisc presentations in a non-major introductory level college biology course. Students (n=66) used a quick-learn authoring system, the Macintosh computer, and videodisc player with color monitor. Results included: (1) students managed…

Oberlin College's strength in science and mathematics is discussed by its president, along with the state of these fields in the United States and the contributions that liberal arts colleges can make. Of concern nationwide are declining enrollments in science and mathematics, low performance in these fields of U.S. students compared to other…

Organized by the International Commission on Physics Education (ICPE) and the Physics Education Society of Japan, the conference reported here, the first of its kind held in Asia, was designed to inform teachers of results of prior ICPE conferences as well as to explore desirable directions for physics education, and was attended by nearly 450…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of ten published articles related to curriculum, misconception research, and instruction are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) Canadian teachers' opinions on changes in elementary and junior high school science programs; (2) current status of ecology education in Illinois; (3)…

High risk students in college chemistry are often identified by low mathematics SAT scores, low American Chemical Society Toledo scores, and secondary school chemistry grades. This study was designed to identify additional variables that can be used at the community college level as predictors of success in chemistry. The study compared students'…

Research findings on computer designed instruction and testing at the college level are discussed in 13 papers from the first Regional Conference on University Teaching at New Mexico State University. Titles and authors are as follows: "Don't Bother Me with Instructional Design, I'm Busy Programming! Suggestions for More Effective Educational…

Many feel that emotional intensity or attitude toward science and science teaching influences the teaching of science. As a means for changing attitude toward science and science teaching, preservice science education and inservice science education have been recommended. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a yearlong…

The dual concerns of economic competitiveness and national security have provided the main impetus behind the continued growth in support for research and development (R&D) by both government and industry. The funding of science and technology is a major factor behind capital and labor productivity increases. This report presents a summary of…

In recent years, the need to improve education has received considerable attention. The development of educational indicators is necessary to help policymakers determine whether educational conditions have improved and what additional actions are indicated. The Council of Chief State School Officers State Education Assessment Center initiated a…

A group of scientists and science educators at Washington State University has developed and pilot tested an integrated physical science program designed for preservice elementary school teachers. This document is a comprehensive guide to be provided to students in a physical science teaching methods course. Chapters include: (1) "Science as a…