Describes an approach that uses an electronic bulletin board in a large class to promote cooperation and interactivity among students both inside and outside the classroom. Concludes that this approach facilitated student-student and student-professor interactions, improved the quality of instruction, and produced a more learning-friendly…

Adapted a high school physics program to make physics less elite and more accessible to all students. Students surveys evaluated their attitudes regarding the effectiveness of the new conceptual approach. Results indicated that the approach opened the door to physics for many traditionally underrepresented groups. Students considered the revised…

Describes "Write Now," a writing-to-learn math and science program promoting academic gains and student involvement. Describes how students begin class by writing an answer to an open-ended question dealing with the previous lesson, noting that monitoring oral and written responses allows for evaluation of understanding. Lists criteria…

Presents a visual aid designed to generate an image of water movement among soil particles using an overhead projector to teach the physical phenomena related to water status and water movement in the soil. Utilizes a base plate of thin transparent plastic, opaque plastic sheets, a plate of glass, and a colored aqueous solution. (AIM)

Compares collaborative problem solving by learners sitting side-by-side with computer-mediated learning at a distance. Three aspects are studied: high school students' problem- solving strategies and interpretation of the teaching situation; their use of components of the situation; and the cognitive processes involved in understanding domain…

A study at the University of Transkei (South Africa), a historically black university, examined whether student efforts to work through class assignments promoted academic achievement. Results showed that of 65 subjects, those who completed the assignments regularly were the highest performers. The latter group generally failed in tests but showed…

Describes a study of 32 University of Transkei (South Africa) freshmen's conceptualization of "limiting reagent," a basic concept in chemistry, based on student responses to two written test questions and clinical interviews. Results indicated that a high percentage of students had misconceptions and could not apply the concept…

Describes a project sponsored by the Association for Science Education (ASE) that has proved successful and is now known as Science across the World. This project aims at linking schools in all parts of the globe. Describes how Science across the World works and reports on the evaluation of its use. (DDR)

Argues that science may be presented as a continuing effort to improve existing knowledge. Analyzes a three-month discourse by sixth graders, showing that the basic commitments enabling scientific progress can be realized in elementary schools. Suggests that people need to be able to move freely between scientific and other modes of thought to be…

Describes a research project that allows students to behave like scientists studying something as simple as the arrival of spring. Gives students practice in stating logical predictions and hypotheses, designing sound research, and collecting reliable data. Exposes them to the successes, failures, and biases inherent in scientific research.…

Contains part of a paper written in 1980 by a pioneer of environmental education examining the lack of extensive introduction of environmental education into secondary schools. Argues that school administrators and staff must consider the situation and implement environmental education in some form. Offers a widely accepted brief to help them.…

Reports on a study that examines the ways in which three prospective teachers approach representing science content within the context of their student teaching experiences. (Contains 51 references.) (DDR)

Explores the peer review process in electronic and print science education journals and addresses how to submit manuscripts, criteria for reviews, and reviewer qualifications. (DDR)

A study examined effects of class-wide curricular modification on the engagement and behaviors of six students (ages 13-14) with emotional disturbances, in a self-contained science class. Modifications included providing opportunities for choice making and ensuring activities were of high interest, which resulted in increased engagement and…

Examines how teachers and learners in eastern and southern Africa code switch between English and their first languages in science and mathematics lessons. Uses empirical classroom data to show that code switching is a valuable linguistic resource in education. (Author/VWL)