Examines the content knowledge of genetics as it is organized for solving effect-to-cause problems. Reviews proposed reasons explaining why students find genetics difficult to learn. Explains dominant and codominant inheritance patterns, multiple alleles, and X-linkage. (RT)

Examined how elementary students in three classes using different teaching strategies, presented with discrepant event problems in science, begin the problem-solving process by exploration of the problem space. Because of the constraints imposed by each teaching strategy, none of those used was considered entirely satisfactory. Appendix contains…

Describes the theory behind tapered resistors and liquid crystals and their use in the Duracell battery test strip. Presents related electrical problems for students. (JRH)

Discusses a well-known optical refraction problem where the depth of an object in a liquid is determined. Proposes that many texts incorrectly solve the problem. Provides theory, equations, and diagrams. (MVL)

Presents John Collier's "Problem-Solving Loop" as a structure for finding the most acceptable solution to any problem. Describes a project that uses the problem-solving loop to analyze some problems outside the classroom related to kinematics and dynamics. (JRH)

By carefully watching and listening to his students explain how they solved simple physics problems, one college instructor gained insight into how students visualize problems and developed techniques to help students change perspective more easily. Student metacognitive skills, student confidence, and student-teacher communication have also…

Presents a lesson that introduces students to polarized light using a problem-solving approach. After illustrating the concept using a slinky and poster board with a vertical slot, students solve the problem of creating a polarized light show using Polya's problem-solving methods. (MDH)

Students' needs and research on learning should inform teaching practices. Makes suggestions for improving instruction such as using students as ombudspersons to provide feedback on class concerns, focusing on process skills, and incorporating problem-based learning into the curriculum. Also includes examples of successful programs and summaries…

Explains what inquiry-based science instruction means and points out the difficulty of creating this kind of instruction for teachers who are inexperienced in teaching. Presents a case study of a preservice teacher who explored whether it is realistic to expect preservice teachers to create and carry out an inquiry-based classroom. (Contains 38…

Presents the EnergyNet Energy Audit Project, a project-based curriculum on energy education. Includes ideas for working with the community and cost analysis. (YDS)

Presents an alternative way to teach chemistry by using transmuted laboratory activities in which students must predict outcomes within a certain error factor. Includes nine sample labs. (MKR)

Investigates the role of gender and self-esteem on early adolescent girls' abilities to solve problems when participating in natural science-related activities. Reports girls' gender role association with levels of verbal expression, expression of positive effect, dominance, and supportive behavior during science experiments as well as dominance…

This qualitative case study focused on the nature of science learning through open-ended problem solving with eighth graders. Discusses results of interviews and observation that suggested students only partially derived accurate mental models, and makes recommendations for improving student understanding in open-ended environments. (Contains 95…

Describes a project that applies problem based inquiry learning units to an introductory chemistry laboratory curriculum. Uses web technologies to support instruction. (Contains 25 references.) (YDS)