Criticizes Hugh Lacey's separation of cognitive values and social values in discussions of the nature of science. Claims that attempting to distinguish between cognitive and social ignores crucial complexities in the development and use of knowledge. Proposes that the proper distinction be between legitimate and illegitimate reasons in science as…

Galileo fit in well with the neo-Protagorian, person-relative framework that was emerging around him in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in Western Europe. For Galileo, all knowledge depended crucially and essentially on first person experience, and at the same time this knowledge was objective, not subjective. Comments on the educational…

Presents the result of an empirical study on the reception and effectiveness of historical material being included in the physics program of a Swiss high school. (Author/NB)

Describes some of the ways conformity in science is rewarded and defiance punished with reference to the work of Arthur Jensen. Notes that some of his work makes outstanding contributions to the science of intelligence, while other work is considered regressive. (SLD)

Describes Arthur Jensen's contributions to the study of general intelligence ("g"). His research has led to studies of genetic intelligence and speed of cognitive processing and the study of biological correlates of "g." (SLD)

Reviews the work of Arthur Jensen, noting his extensive bibliography and characterizing his work as an extension of the British Biological-Theoretical Tradition. Proposes a new definition of "Jensenism" based on the Jansenist heresy. (SLD)

Describes public controversy over Jensen's work on genetic differences in intelligence as an example of sociopolitical consequences that can accompany the dispersion in "g" (general factor of intelligence) in a society. (Author/SLD)

Seeks to identify some of the issues associated with the role of models in scientific explanations. Discusses factors which may influence the way that those explanations are understood and the judgment of their appropriateness by the various audiences involved. Contains 55 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the struggle of American psychologists with the question of objectivity and the observer's role, notes Titchener's description of the dangers of subjectivity in observation, and describes the phenomenological approach to observation. Discusses the awareness of baby diarists of the potential problems with the method related to its…

Investigates the balance of scientific literacy themes in the Lebanese science curriculum in an attempt to determine whether or not this curriculum has the potential to prepare scientifically literate citizens. The Lebanese curriculum emphasizes the knowledge of science, investigative nature of science, and interactions of science, technology, and…

Describes and evaluates an elementary science methods course in which the nature of science and scientific inquiry are embedded and explicitly taught. As a result of the course, incoming conceptions of science as primarily a body of knowledge changed to a more appropriate, blended view of science as a body of knowledge generated through the active…

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)

Model rocketry is one of the best ways to get students interested in the physical sciences. Following safety guidelines, rocketry can really turn students on to science and also help them understand the applications of theories and scientific principles (Newton's laws of motion, force, mass, projectile motion, etc.) they are learning. The study…

Two seemingly complementary trends stand out currently in school science education in the United States: one is the increased emphasis on inquiry activities in classrooms, and the other is the high level of attention given to student understanding of the nature of science. This essay looks at the range of activities that fall within the first…

Green chemistry is the utilization of a set of principles that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture and application of chemical products. Some of the philosophical questions and practical decisions that have guided the greening of the organic chemistry laboratory at Hendrix College in…