Reports a study that examined the effects of conceptual orienting questions and differences in prior knowledge on factual learning and problem solving in biology. Tenth graders who participated in control or orienting questions groups completed posttests. Results indicated that question groups outscored the control group. (SM)

Reviews current research in the application of the Neo-Piagetian theory of Pascual-Leone and shows how it provides the science teacher new implements. Hypothesizes that the role of the environment and creativity, if emphasized adequately, can help make science instruction more effective. (Contains 45 references.) (PR)

Describes a science competition challenge that has students solve several hands-on physical science problems, thus reinforcing both problem-solving skills and science knowledge. (PR)

Examined whether use of robotics had a greater effect on elementary school children's achievement in science concepts and problem-solving abilities than use of battery-powered motorized manipulatives or no manipulatives. Found no significant difference in achievement from use of robotics except in programming language problem solving. Both…

Outlines a plan of action designed to enhance growth in problem-posing skills. The "blueprint" provides a model for teachers and teacher educators who wish to integrate more problem posing into their curriculum. Specific activities and instructional strategies are cited to illustrate the development of problem posing as a process in the classroom.…

Describes a project in which students photograph animals overnight at an outdoor site. Presents directions for building the camera stand and integrates the activity with writing. Lists some photographic tips. (YDS)

Investigates science teachers' views about their use of science instructional techniques in general, and the problem-solving teaching approach in particular. Focuses on difficulties faced by science teachers in implementing the problem solving teaching approach in the science classroom. Indicates teachers' concerns about covering the science…

Discusses research on middle school science learning and instruction that suggests how generative models of scientific phenomena can be developed. The Computer as Learning Partner curriculum is introduced as a curriculum that provides a firm foundation for lifelong learning through the use of authentic questions. (SLD)

Describes a laboratory-based program in physics designed to help students build effective links between the mathematical equations used to solve problems in mechanics and the real world of moving objects. Conducts the study among senior college students and points out the value of laboratory work in science education for development of thinking…

Tests the hypothesis that personalized messages in a multimedia science lesson can promote deep learning by actively engaging students in the elaboration of the materials and reducing processing load. Instructional messages were presented in either a personalized style or a neutral style. Results reveal that personalized messages produced better…

Presents three science activities for the first week of class that use the cooperative learning approach and computers. Requires students to create a web page to introduce group members. (YDS)

Discusses the use of problem-solving activities in elementary-level science lessons. Sample activities include "Sparkling Christmas Presents,""Who Left the Message?," and "Parachute Descent". (WRM)

Describes the development, preparation, and use of a medium that can select against a wide variety of Gram-negative bacteria while still allowing growth and differentiation of a wide range of Gram-positives. (WRM)

Introduces the computer software program Learning and Understanding through Computer-based Interactive Discovery (LUCID) which is designed to increase student engagement in the learning process. Evaluates the effectiveness of LUCID on student attitudes and grades. (YDS)

A teaching unit on genetics and human inheritance using problem-solving methodology was undertaken with fourth-level Spanish Secondary Education students (15 year olds). The goal was to study certain aspects of the students' learning process (concepts, procedures and attitude) when using this methodology in the school environment. The change…