A major part of developing concept-based instruction is the use of an overarching idea to provide a conceptual lens through which students view the content of a particular subject. By using a conceptual lens to focus learning, students think at a much deeper level about the content and its facts (Erickson 2007). Therefore, the authors collaborated…

Reports study of children in grades two through six to determine concept formation achievement about chemical and physical change. Performance of three tasks by two groups at each grade level after thirty-minute lessons on five consecutive days are used for evaluation. Researcher concludes that these concepts are attainable by sixth graders and…

Illustrated and described is a convection box for classroom use to stimulate concept development in elementary school children. Other equipment and apparatus that may be used in open-ended science activites are listed. (CS)

To discover how misconceptions occur and how teachers deal with them when they occur, fifth-grade students (N=229) and teachers (N=14) were observed during units on light and photosynthesis. Results suggest that curriculum developers consider childrens' misunderstandings of phenomena and design materials explicitly contrasting these…

Discusses use of a concept map in developing, teaching, and assessing the concept of "away" (as indicated by physical/chemical changes or changes in energy/human perception). A copy of the map and an activity (using a flashbulb) to get children thinking about what it means to throw something away are included. (JM)

Provides examples of science activities in which children use their senses in manipulating objects and ideas. Suggests that these and other activities be extended to help children deepen their understanding of scientific concepts. (JN)

Demonstrations are presented in which children can be introduced to evidence of specific concepts enabling them to participate in such a way that any conceptual conflicts that might arise in this learning situation can be gradually reduced. (EB)

Describes an activity in which young children explore the concepts of light by predicting the shape of shadows. Different configurations of light sources are used and objects are held in different positions. Sample questions to be asked of the children before, during, and after the activities are included. (TW)

Describes a set of 10 activities which introduce mainstreamed junior high school students to concepts relating to fossils and dinosaurs. Provides students with opportunities for learning the concepts of change and adaptation, as well as fossil facts and terminology. (TW)

Examines childrens' conceptual frameworks and, recognizing that they may be inaccurate, proposes such teaching strategies to aid students in modifying inadequate frameworks as: asking for ideas, listening respectfully, providing guided experiences, and encouraging discussion in non-threatening settings. Stresses learning as an active, thinking,…