Values and how values are created in science education are an under-researched field, which is problematic given the importance of epistemic values to the nature of science. From a sociological perspective, values are experienced as emotionally infused ideas with the power to influence choices and actions in everyday situations such as learning…

This paper presents empirical evidence from research carried out in New Zealand by a research-practice partnership (RPP) that included school teachers, teacher professional learning providers, and researchers in science education, technology education, and information systems. The RPP worked together from 2018-2023 to investigate the affordances…

We designed the Integrated Sciences First-Year Program (ISFP) to introduce students to the nature and process of science early in their academic career, help them develop skills and competencies, and create an intellectual community of learners to foster belonging within science. Using their inherent curiosity, we designed active learning…

Despite the rising popularity of Citizen Science (CS) projects, there is little empirical evidence for effects on learning outcomes, particularly when young people are involved. It is also often not clear how CS projects are linked to science education (SE) research. The aim of this study was to examine biodiversity CS projects in an outdoor…

Mueller, Tippins, and Bryan's contrast of the current limitations of science education with the potential virtues of citizen science provides an important theoretical perspective about the future of democratized science and K-12 education. However, the authors fail to adequately address the existing barriers and constraints to moving…

Gliders and sailplanes provide a great launching platform for teaching about technology and scientific principles. Soaring is technological innovation in action, using earth's natural resources for energy and endurance during flight. This article focuses on the basics of soaring, which educators can use to increase excitement and interest in the…

The activities presented in this paper, which are addressed to elementary school, are focused on the pioneering work of the Portuguese King Carlos I in oceanography and involve the exploration of the exhibits belonging to two different science museums, the Aquarium Vasco da Gama and the Maritime Museum. Students were asked to study fish…

Discusses the urban myth that "If toast can land butter-side down, it will" as an example of a source of projects demonstrating the use of the scientific method beyond its usual settings. Other urban myths suitable for investigation are discussed. (Author/MM)

Describes grade 5-8 school project designed to collect, preserve, prepare, and observe small items under a microscope. The project aimed to demonstrate the scientific method, as well as to teach students to search for their own questions and answers. Includes listing of materials and projects procedures. (Contains eight references.) (NB)

Explains why Catholics are free to believe in evolution and Catholic educators are free to teach evolution. Catholics do not take a fundamentalist approach to the interpretation of scripture. Argues that science and religion are compatible, and that religion has much to offer science in terms of moral issues. (NB)

Author discusses ways in which Catholic educators can incorporate science into religious education. Argues that science and religion both seek the truth, and therefore do not contradict each other. Offers suggestions for making connections between the two, and presents Internet resources for the educator. (Contains nine references and resources.)…

This digest presents a summary discussion of the value of holding science fairs in the elementary school context. Reasons for conducting science fairs for elementary students are discussed in terms of several learning theories. Developmentally appropriate types of elementary science projects are suggested. Goals for elementary school science fairs…

This paper introduces a model for using informal science education venues as contexts within which to teach the nature of science. The model was initially developed to enable university education students to teach science in elementary schools so as to be consistent with "National Science Education Standards" (NSES) (1996) and "A Framework for…

This inventory, developed for use with the Harvard Project Physics curriculum, consists of 135 two-choice (agree-disagree) items. Items cover perceptions of the role of scientists, the nature and functions of theories, underlying assumptions made by scientists, and other aspects of the scientific process. The test is suitable for high school…