Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing practical skills of students in science and engineering education. However, the effectiveness of VR in this context remains unclear due to inconsistent findings across studies. This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the existing literature and investigate the overall impact of VR…

In this systematic review, a series of didactic proposals and experiences that have been developed over recent years in formal education are presented with the common purpose of ensuring that students with special educational needs learn science. Initially, only 54 publications on the topic were identified, which underlines the scarce research…

The advanced visualisation and interactive capabilities make immersive virtual reality (IVR) attractive for educators to investigate its educational benefits. This research reviewed 64 studies published in 2016-2020 to understand how science educators designed, implemented, and evaluated IVR-based learning. The immersive design features (sensory,…

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) review of the impact of digital technology on learning, "The Impact of Digital Technology on Learning: A Summary for the Education Endowment Foundation. Full Report" (Higgins et al., 2012) (ED612174), found positive benefits but noted that how technology is used (the pedagogy) is key and that…

This article reviews 24 years of research focused on science education for students with learning and other disabilities. Our results are based on 53 articles from 2 relevant databases. We hereby present and discuss the results of the most popular topics investigated, which include: constructivism, exploratory learning, hands-on activities,…

Research shows that hands-on science education is more effective than a textbook and lecture approach. This suggests that the "new curriculum" introduced in science classes in the seventies was more effective than was thought. (JM)

The use of field trips for both conceptual and factual learning and affective objectives is discussed. Discussions on the general perception of field trips, perceptions from the perspective of research, implications for science education, and conclusions are presented. (KR)

Explores the role of outdoor education in science curriculum development and delivery. Reviews science learning objectives in Ontario and the links between outdoor education and science instruction. Suggests improvements in cooperation between outdoor education centers and science classrooms. (LP)

This paper considers the term "authentic science" and its meaning with respect to science education. In particular, three relevant denotations of authenticity are applied to nine facets of science. These facets include methodological and epistemological aspects of science, personal, private, public, historical, societal and technological…

Reviews empirical studies of outdoor education's impact on cognitive development. Research findings are presented on the subject areas of environmental education, general science, and language development. A cautionary synthesis of research related to learning in the out-of-doors is also offered. (ML)

The objective of this investigation was to review impact evaluations related to activity based elementary science programs. Of particular focus is the measurement of process skills attainment. The report presents a survey of current impact evaluation procedure for process-oriented programs as described by recent literature, identification of…

The reviews of articles contained in this issue have been grouped into those dealing with research related to cognitive development and to instruction. In addition, seven science education researchers have provided responses to critiques of their published research. Included are: (1) an analysis of an article designed to persuade researchers to…

Contends that science education researchers should devote more time to creating and studying models of intergenerational and community-based science education. Argues that such inquiries have the potential to provoke new thinking that could expand basic conceptions of what it means to learn and practice science. (WRM)

The purpose of this study was to review and synthesize a diversity of research and classroom activities concerned with experiential elementary education. To make these materials readily available to teachers, a collection of examples of experiential activities, research, and professional writings was organized into four academic subject areas…

Issues related to the improvement of mathematics and science education pertain to Native students as well as to the general population. Native students are most successful at tasks that use visual and spatial abilities and that involve simultaneous processing. Instruction should build on Native students' strengths. Experiential learning and…