The research is concerned with investigating children's understanding of physical, chemical, and biological changes while using an approach developed by the project Energy and Change. This project aimed to provide novel ways of teaching about the nature and direction of changes, in particular introducing ideas related to the Second Law of…

This paper examines the Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE). Begun in 1993, MISE had two stated goals: raise the interest, participation, and performance of public-school students in science; and demonstrate to other businesses that direct, focused involvement would hasten improvements in science teaching and learning in public schools.…

This bulletin features articles on real world evolutionary biology, revolutionary classroom science, a review of new curricula in evolutionary biology, and the use of case studies to illustrate points in evolutionary biology. The articles are: (1) "'Real World' Evolutionary Biology: A Pragmatic Quest. Interview with BioQUEST's John Jungck" (Harvey…

This updated curriculum guide is designed to provide teachers of elementary school science with a set of activities on recycling and waste reduction. The curriculum has three sections: (1) Grades K-3 Lessons; (2) Grades 4-5 Lessons; and (3) Teacher's Resource Guide. It is designed to take students from an introduction to natural resources and…

The application of history of science to inform the design/curriculum, implementation/instruction and learning/assessment of science education is a process full of choices. What history and whose history to select and for what purposes ultimately defines the models of curriculum, instruction and assessment employed. Three organizational approaches…

The mandate to teach the theory of evolution and evolution-related concepts in biology and other appropriate science classes in public schools is relatively clear in 31 states and the District of Columbia. In the most recent state legislative sessions, some legislators made attempts to use the legislative processes to restrict the teaching of…

This paper examines the concept of nature from the perspective of Chinese history and culture, and is partially based on personal experiences. The perspective used to understand science education in the culture is one that science itself maintains a culture-independent existence. Students in China worry about the lifestyle of the West, however…

The science teacher has a vital responsibility to provide the best science curriculum possible to guide optimal pupil progress. Educational objectives need to represent salient scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Proper sequencing of objectives is also crucial. Learning opportunities based on sound educational psychology should be used in…

Using the framework of systematic functional grammar, this study compares two modes of presenting the same scientific topic: in a physics textbook and in interactive teacher talk. Three aspects of scientific meaning making are analyzed: representations of physical and mental reality, lexical packaging, and the rhetorical structure of reasoning.…

This document contains the papers presented at the Redesign in Science Education (RISE) Conference. Papers include: (1) "A Model Development Concept (MDC) for Education: A Framework for Change" (C. K. Barsky, K. G. Wilson, and B. Daviss); (2) "Teaching Science Everyday" (K. L. Scott); (3) "Science Teacher Licensure…

Science teachers need to be teachers of reading since the act of being able to read and comprehend is necessary in problem solving. There should be a variety of learning opportunities in ongoing lessons and units of study, and reading subject matter is one important facet of achieving. This paper offers several learning strategies that student…

Presents an overview of preschool science education as it has developed over the past decade, and examines some of the promising signs and problem areas in this field. Aims to provide teachers, researchers, and program planners with ideas that can be utilized in science program development at the preschool level. (JR)

Examines the characteristics of the first generation of secondary science curricula reforms that emerged in the 1950's (such as PSSC) and the second generation of reforms that appeared in the following decade (such as Harvard Project Physics). The strengths and weaknesses of these two generations of science curricula are compared. (JR)

Describes an audiotutorial program in Biological Science offered to non-science majors at Western Michigan University and reports the results of an evaluative investigation relating to this program. (JR)

Reports the results of a study to determine the extent and content of courses in biological literature offered to graduate students in American universities. (JR)