Describes the extended general physics course taught at Rutgers University. The course presents to students at the high school algebra level the topic of analyzing a particular thought experiment that yields the time dilation formula and subsequently space contraction, velocity addition, and other 20th-century physics concepts. (MVL)

Presents priorities and strategies considered when developing a course on women and science at an Australian university. Suggests that the course will fill a gap in the history of science course offerings and address the contributions of Australian women scientists. Compares the experiences of two physicists: Joan Freeman and Rachel Makinson. (DK)

Provides insight on the concept, punctuated equilibrium, in the hope of enhancing evolution education. (ZWH)

Presents an activity that provides students an opportunity to explore the tempo and mode of evolution by analyzing data and constructing two evolutionary trees, one gradualistic and one punctuated. (ZWH)

Provides educators with a baseline of approaches to environmental education for nonenvironmental engineering students. Determines the scope of environmental programs offered as special programs. Analyzes survey responses and makes suggestions for program implementation. (DDR)

Examines the dynamics of the science-curriculum reform process. Highlights the nature of metaphors guiding reform efforts; the influence of social, historical, economic, and political forces on the reform process; the use of local and professional languages as discourses for communicating about reform; and the complex power relations that…

Identifies the development of practical and investigative skills featured in science qualifications at all levels (foundation, intermediate, and advanced) and all types (general, general vocational, and occupationally specific). Reviews the debate over the purpose of practical experimental work in science education and training. (Author/CCM)

Discusses the recommendation in "Benchmarks for Science Literacy" and "National Science Education Standards" of teaching science through inquiry. Describes research focused on inquiry, investigation, and interpretation in a preservice science teacher preparation program. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Reviews research and practice related to science-technology-society (STS) instruction. Focuses on STS-related instruments that reveal teacher and student beliefs about STS issues and teacher actions that result from those beliefs. Contains 58 references. (DDR)

Addresses the possible connection between misconceptions of energy in biological phenomena and adherence to scientifically oriented conceptions of biology. Makes recommendations for basing the biology curriculum on the second law of thermodynamics. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

The new consensus on the nature of learning helps educators understand what fosters learning and how to improve ineffective, detrimental aspects of teaching. Science curricula should capitalize on three concepts: learners construct meaning for themselves; to understand is to know relationships; and knowing relationships depends on having prior…

A brief examination of the Chinese National University Entrance Examination (NUEE) and the unusual influence it has on physics teaching in China. An assessment is made of the problems the NUEE has created for teaching secondary school physics, and the trends of the reform of the Chinese NUEE. (AIM)

Reports on the stated preferences of first-year high school students (n=499) about a range of science topics. Analyses of responses indicate that some topics were selected equally by boys and girls while other topics were selected predominantly by girls and other topics by boys. Discusses curriculum implications of the findings. (Author/JRH)

Explores the approach adopted by General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) Science in Great Britain. The GNVQ is a vocational qualification for students and is part of a program to upgrade vocational education and training. Discusses the way in which appropriate teaching resources have been developed by the Nuffield Science in Practice…