Presents a study that examines the beliefs of teachers (N=24) and their interpretations of a two-week summer institute intended to change their treatment of scientific knowledge and assessment strategies at the classroom level. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Focuses on recent clarifications of the nature of explanatory texts in science. Shows how a knowledge of the different organizational structures and language features of the various types of explanations can be used to enhance the use of reading and writing to learn. (AIM)

Synthesizes the results of three case studies of middle school classrooms in which computer and video materials were used to teach topics in earth and space sciences through interactive simulations. Describes specific instances in which common current practice is problematic. Makes suggestions regarding improved design principles for such…

Describes the Slanting Leaf Beds Project in Oregon in which fifth and sixth graders participated in hands-on, long-term research projects designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific processes and concepts. Students first worked in pairs obtaining samples and making tentative identifications. Group data was pooled and compared…

A study explored perceptions of 43 students on benefits gained from participating in the Science Fair Summer Camp program in Fort Pierce, Florida. Benefits included the availability of equipment/technology, opportunities to interact with teachers and scientists, opportunities for research design, and opportunities actually to engage in the process…

Early science educators need a gradual introduction to peer review activities. Employs cultural sociology and activity theory to identify patterns of coherence and coexisting contradictions that create tensions to catalyze improvements in science education. (DDR)

Suggests that even if the use of the Internet leads to significant changes in peer review, there is no value-free scientific knowledge and evaluation that are separate from predominant paradigms. (Contains 16 references.) (DDR)

Consists of a metalogue between two authors in which critical issues associated with peer review are identified. Highlights theory and practices that are salient to the continued improvement of science education. (DDR)

An Oregon high school offered an interdisciplinary history/science course on the Lewis and Clark Expedition that focuses on experiential learning and student projects. Camping and field trips helped make the material relevant as the course moved from a study of the primordial Pacific Northwest, through the Native American period, to what has…

Reports on Try Science, a program designed to investigate the learning experiences and outcomes of teachers engaged in a unique collaboration--a master's degree program in science education for elementary and middle school teachers conducted entirely online. Discusses the learning experiences, degree of understanding of meaning of inquiry in…

Presents the Nevada Science Teacher Enhancement Project (N-STEP) in which 50 high school teachers worked with research scientists, educational faculty, and high school students on authentic, field-based research projects in the geosciences, biological sciences, or social sciences. Indicates improved satisfaction of teachers and students with their…

Describes a study conducted in a fifth- and sixth-grade classroom in Toronto that explored gender differences from two perspectives: student interaction patterns, and communication patterns. Examined interaction patterns of students' math and science learning in terms of taking turns, initiating conversation, and follow-up conversation; and…

Identifies and describes misconceptions held by pre-service high school science teachers regarding three environmental issues: the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and acid rain. Indicates that many pre-service high school teachers possess an array of misconceptions about the causes and effects of each. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a study that implemented an Internet-based project in a Taiwanese secondary school biology class and investigated its effect on the cognitive preferences held by students and on their performance. Reports results of analyses of covariance that compared scores of short-answer questions, multiple choice items, and total final examination…

Discussed are the growth of partnerships between universities and public schools in the United States, and the need for improvement in science and mathematics education. A five-week program which involved inner-city students in different science experiences in a university environment is described. The results of this program are presented. (CW)