Surveys (n=1116) 15-year-old students from 11 Western Australian schools to determine their understanding of and attitude towards recent advances in modern biotechnology. Discusses reasons for students' over-estimation of the use of biotechnology in society. Provides a rationale for the inclusion of biotechnology, a cutting edge science, in the…

Reports on a group of teachers using formative assessment tools to pilot their students toward deeper understanding. Suggests that their efforts help in the implementation of the district's inquiry-based science curriculum. (MM)

Suggests that because controlled experiments are used extensively by professional ecologists to solve both theoretical and applied problems, experimentation should be a key component of secondary school ecology curricula. Describes five teaching principles to guide secondary school biology teachers in providing a more realistic view of the…

Children's ideas about radiation and radioactivity are reviewed and several common areas of misunderstanding are identified. An approach to teaching the topic at the secondary school level which seeks to specifically address known difficulties is outlined. (CW)

A teacher of students with hearing impairments outlines ways to integrate use of the scientific method into science laboratory experiences. A sample experiment is outlined, and the value of the applied science experiences for students who are concrete learners is stressed. (DB)

Students write a short paper in which they describe and interpret the history of a geologic feature. Provides an introduction, logistics of the assignment, background and rationale for the writing process, suggestions for change, and conclusions. (RT)

Suggests a revised Montessori elementary biology sequence based on the new five-kingdom model. In keeping with Montessori principles that move the learner from the whole to the parts and from the simple to the complex, offers a proposed outline of instruction for the lower elementary (6-9) level and for the upper elementary (9-12) level. (TJQ)

Presents Principles of Biochemistry for use as main focus of a biochemistry course. The nine guiding ideas are the principles of continual turnover, macromolecular organization, molecular recognition, multiplicity of utilization, maximum efficiency, gradual change, interrelationship, transformational reciprocity, and information transfer. In use…

Examines the following hypotheses: (1) a relationship exists between school achievement and success in first year university physics; (2) tertiary success is a function of the motivation and metacognitive strategies of the learners; and (3) a weighted combination of indicators will allow significant discrimination between levels of tertiary…

A checklist is provided as a tool for an informal overview of the environmental education programs found in schools. The checklist includes the topics of administration, instructional activities, and the school system. Guidelines for development and use of environmental education materials, programs, and activities are also provided. (KR)

Presents a method of teaching science that employs two kinds of graphic organizers of information, the matrix and the branch-out strategies. Argues that these methods are particularly relevant for slower learners. Provides graphic examples. (HB)

Discusses the following questions for science faculty: What do we teach? How do we teach? How do we evaluate or assess what we teach? (PR)

This paper recommends a role for the history of science in democratic science education, suggesting a dialogical mode of science instruction that captures what John Dewey considered most crucial to democracy--completely open communication. (SM)

This opinion paper discusses several issues surrounding questions of ChemCom and STS courses taken by science majors. Explores the basis for a potential mismatch students having an STS-based course may experience. Discusses objectivism and constructivism. (MKR)

Presents an interview with National Center for Improving Student Learning and Achievement (NCISLA) Associate Director Rich Lehrer and collaborating researcher Leona Schauble to answer the question of what science is worth teaching and the way it has been taught. (ASK)