There is an emerging trend of democratizing science and schooling within science education that can be characterized as citizen science. We explore the roots of this movement and some current projects to underscore the meaning of citizen science in science and schooling. We show that citizen science, as it is currently conceptualized, does not go…

This paper introduces a course design that used history and inquiry-based learning to develop science students' understanding of invention, innovation and commercialization processes. First, it explains inquiry-based learning and then introduces a sample course design, explaining the rationale, structure and process. Following on from this…

This paper describes the development, use, and analysis, of an educational tool inspired by the history of the optical mechanism of vision. We investigated 12-year-old students' reasoning about vision. Most of them explain it as the result of something coming either from the object or from the eye. Moreover, some of them think that light…

Examines the state of physics in 1931, the predicted and actual states of physics in 1981, and predictions for 2031. Focuses on general conditions such as economy, energy (fossil, solar, nuclear fission, fusion), physics research, and physics publications. (JN)

Explored are the following dimensions of scientific literacy: the ethos of modern science and the cumulative achievements of science and technology in the history of the United States and in the nature of contemporary society. Also discussed is the reform movement in science education. (KR)

Both teachers and learners can benefit from looking at the history of scientific discovery and science teaching. Discusses the history of curriculum change in biology education and the thought processes of historically prominent biologists. (Author/WRM)

Discusses philosophical arguments relevant to the question of teaching creationism, especially with regard to developments in the debate since the early 1990s. Considers what the relevant differences for the policy question for private, public schools, and home schoolers are. Discusses the main legal arguments that have ruled in the case of public…

This instructional packet deals with inventions and presents activities that enable students to learn about past inventions and inventors and also create their own inventions in a variety of ways: centers, individual work, and group work. (JRH)

Describes the wit, spirit, and inventiveness of Wolfgang Pauli and his relationship with physicists of his time. Reviews Pauli's contributions in the fields of relativity and quantum theory. (GS)

Discusses the teaching of science history in chemistry classes. Concludes that a clear, unprejudiced presentation of historical fact requires a great deal of research and knowledge, and may be better left to history specialists. (MLH)

Presents notes on three physics experiments on (1) light and lenses, (2) determination of the pVT surface of a freon, and (3) use of an eyepiece with microscopes and telescopes. (RH)

Presents an account of the life of Otto Diels and explains his research on the constitution of cholesterol, the Diels-Alder reaction, and synthesis of cantharadin. (GS)

Describes the preparations to observe the transit of Venus in 1761, the event that opened channels of scientific communication between Europe and America. (LS)

Expounds major theories which cosmologists have proposed to determine size and distances of quasars. Relates these to efforts of 17th century astronomers. (CP)