Describes a unit of study for gifted fifth graders that connects architecture to the content areas of history, mathematics, and science. Emphasis was on problem solving of real-world problems as recommended in major reports on mathematics instruction. The unit also used technology in innovative ways, including computer-drawn images and digital…

Theorizes the learning orientations of beginning science teachers and how these orientations interact with the structure of teacher-education programs based on a case study of one preservice science teacher's reflections on his experiences during teacher preparation. Contains 23 references. (WRM)

Discusses three prospective elementary teachers' conceptions of teaching science and selected portions of their knowledge base in life science. Explores how these teachers' conceptions, along with their teaching actions, developed during the course of a teacher-education program. Contains 21 references. (Author/WRM)

Discusses three prospective secondary biology teachers' conceptions of teaching science and selected portions of their knowledge base in biology. Explores how these teachers' conceptions, along with their teaching actions, developed during the course of a teacher-education program. Contains 31 references. (Author/WRM)

Summarizes a complex study of a science-teacher-education program whose goal was to graduate teachers who held conceptual change conceptions of teaching science and were disposed to put hem into practice. Concludes that there are influences on prospective teachers from their content coursework that have significant implications for how they view…

Reports on the results of a survey meant to ascertain the views of 16- to 18-year-old students (n=778) on using animals in medical research. Suggests that students have no greater objection to the use of genetically engineered animals over naturally bred animals in medical research. Contains 16 references. (Author/WRM)

Presents the results of introducing cooperative learning tutorials into large first-year physics classes at the University of Sydney. Finds that students attending more than half the total number of tutorials scored significantly better than those attending less than half. Student reaction to the tutorials was generally positive. Contains 31…

Presents examples of chemical education research that illustrate changes in focus, method, and direction over the past 50 years. Contains more than 50 references. (WRM)

This theory-based article describes how data analysis tools, simulations, and modeling software, when used in the proper instructional contexts, provide young learners with rich intellectual environments for inquiry in science learning. Highlights include inquiry learning; abilities of learners; and the integration of technology within classroom…

Discusses curriculum reforms and appropriate teaching methods for adult learners. Explains a curricular material called "LifeLines Online" which was developed for two-year college faculty to test problem-based curricular materials. Presents a scenario on an alternative way of teaching ecology with Investigative Cased-Based Learning…

Describes a four-week laboratory module for an introductory chemistry course that focuses on the analysis of trace levels of xenoestrogenic pesticides in local drinking water and a comparison of the molecular shapes of these pesticides to the hormone estrogen. (WRM)

Describes an experience using a computer simulation on air resistance. There appeared to be differences in how students approach learning in interactive physics learning environments with and without the simulation. (Contains over 20 references.) (Author/WRM)

Focuses on an energy unit in science. Presents examples of student research and activities on heat, coal formation, and biomass to teach about conservation of energy in ecosystems. Provides procedures and questions for two activities. (YDS)

A study with 45 high school seniors investigated the relationship between performance in a computer-based 10-lesson science tutorial program and students' Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) profiles. Results indicate performance differences in the program's two phases (knowledge acquisition and knowledge application) for all MBTI scales,…

An experiment using cooperative learning in a introductory pharmacy course in medicinal chemistry revealed general acceptance of the cooperative learning approach by students, and some perceived advantages for both students and teachers. Although quantitative evidence supporting superiority of the cooperative learning approach was not found,…