Shows how the tobacco mosaic virus can be used in conjunction with the common bean plant Phaseolus vulgaris to provide a discernable, experimental model that students can use to study induced resistance. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Tests a multifaceted curriculum for use in introductory earth science classes from the secondary school to the introductory undergraduate level. Simulates the greenhouse effect with two fish tanks, heat lamps, and thermometers. Uses a hands-on science approach to develop a deeper understanding of the climate system among students. (Contains 28…

Recommends that middle school teachers try an inquiry approach in Earth science. Describes guiding the inquiry, formulating the problem statement, and establishing the rules for inquiry. (DDR)

Investigates the role and importance of peers in providing personal and academic support for Year 11 female students enrolled in physics and biology courses. Results indicate that while the supportive role provided by peers is similar regardless of the science subject undertaken by female students, this role may vary between schools. (AIM)

Describes a computer course for undergraduate chemistry students that provides them with sufficient experience to be capable of making independent progress in solving chemical problems using computers. Consolidates undergraduate computer-related material into a single course. (DDR)

Briefly describes the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) organization, administration, and results as they relate to Australian science and math education. (Author/WRM)

Reports on the evaluation of a three-year curriculum initiative introducing technology education through a learner-centered, problem solving and collaborative approach. Draws attention to the critical impact the project had on the pedagogy of teachers. (DDR)

Provides a glimpse of a few schools who have exemplary project-based environmental education programs. Speculates as to how such programs will contribute to scientific literacy in the future. Focuses on elementary and secondary schools in Kentucky, Maryland, and Florida. (DDR)

Details the results of a survey on the most important instructional strategies that enhance learning and employ the vehicle of environmental education. Discusses constructivism, cooperative learning, and problem solving. (DDR)

This paper set emerged from an international symposium that aimed to shed light on issues associated with the enactment of inquiry both as means (i.e., inquiry as an instructional approach) and as ends (i.e., inquiry as a learning outcome) in precollege science classrooms. The symposium contributors were charged with providing perspectives from…

What science-related knowledge is actually used by nurses in their day-to-day clinical reasoning when attending patients? The study investigated the knowledge-in-use of six acute-care nurses in a hospital surgical unit. It was found that the nurses mainly drew upon their professional knowledge of nursing and upon their procedural understanding…

This paper focuses on an early stage of developing curricular materials to support students' learning of scientific inquiry. The materials being developed and tested, called Classroom FeederWatch (CFW), aimed to support science inquiry and were developed by a collaborative team of private curriculum developers and scientists (ornithologists).…

Interest is a powerful motivator; nonetheless, science educators often lack the necessary information to make use of the power of student-specific interests in the reform process of science curricula. This study suggests a novel methodology, which might be helpful in identifying such interests--using children's self-generated questions as an…

This investigation examines the difficulties encountered by one graduate teaching assistant as she taught "Physics for Elementary Education," a large-enrollment, inquiry-based science course taught at a public Midwestern university. The methodological approach of hermeneutic phenomenology served as the lens to investigate the research question,…

The role of science education in rural development is of great interest to science educators. In this study I investigated how residents of rural Kirumi, Kenya, approach health and healing, through discussions and semistructured and in-depth interviews with 150 residents, 3 local herbalists, and 2 medical researchers over a period of 6 months. I…