Describes methods used by scientists to investigate the past. Explains the scientific model existing in textbooks and methods for studying evolutionary history. (Contains 30 references.) (YDS)

For many, doing science is entertaining, and engaging in a science activity for its entertainment value is a credible rationale. Drawing parallels between science and various forms of entertainment from sports to opera, highlights the value of "infotainment". Also mentions the risks associated with entertaining the public with science.…

Describes the nature, history, and applications of Doppler radar detecting the speed of moving object. Gives an example of measuring the radial velocity of a scattered wave. (YP)

Distinguishes between Galileo's original 20-year trial and the subsequent 350-year controversy and the historical aftermath of the original episode from the reflective commentary on it. Provides an in-depth characterization and sketch of the historical aftermath and reflective commentary. Contains 90 references. (Author/WRM)

Examines how science educators and educational researchers have drawn on the fragmented teachings of science studies about the nature of science, and how they have used those teachings as a resource in their own projects. Analyzes some of the deep assumptions about the relationship between science, school science, and children's learning.…

Argues that, although naturalized philosophy of science points to important aspects of the scientific process that have not attracted the attention they deserve, it is not an acceptable philosophy. Claims that the basic theses of full-fledged naturalized philosophy of science simply cannot be true since they end up either in logical circles or in…

Examines recent developments in Nancy Cartwright's philosophy of science against the background of her earlier ideas. Argues that Cartwright's views fall within the broad empiricist tradition. Contains 19 references. (Author/WRM)

Defends deductivism, the view that the only valid arguments are deductively valid arguments, and that deductive logic is the only logic that is or is needed. Explains the validity and soundness of some inductive arguments in terms of this view. Contains 12 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes the division of universalists and multiculturalists over the question of the nature of science. Universalists maintain that science has a universal essence and western modern science is the paradigm example of such science. Multiculturalists appeal to the disunity of science thesis to undermine the view that all sciences must have a…

Examines the debate about how science should be re/presented in informal science settings, specifically the possibility of science centers and science museums addressing socio-scientific issues. Situates the debate within the current science education literature on the nature of science (NOS) and science, technology, society and environment (STSE)…

This article offers a plausible domain-general explanation for why some concepts of processes are resistant to instructional remediation although other, apparently similar concepts are more easily understood. The explanation assumes that processes may differ in ontological ways: that some processes (such as the apparent flow in diffusion of dye in…

This month, "The Early Years" is focusing on magnets. The predicting and testing students do in this month's activity also relate to "Science and Children's" theme this issue, teaching the nature of science. Magnets are typically included in early childhood science curriculums because they are irresistible to children. Also, understanding that…

One thing scientists study is how objects move. A famous scientist named Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) spent a lot of time observing objects in motion and came up with three laws that describe how things move. This explanation only deals with the first of his three laws of motion. Newton's First Law of Motion says that moving objects will continue…

Along with the awesome responsibility to teach science content and inquiry comes a responsibility to nurture an understanding of the nature of science. Just what is nature of science? As simple as this statement sounds, the term in and of itself is not readily agreed upon in scientific communities. For K-12 and science education communities,…

The phrase "nature of science" refers to the characteristics of scientific knowledge that necessarily result from the scientific investigations that scientists conduct to develop knowledge. Yet, these characteristics are assumed by many to be "difficult" to teach. Not so. Many important aspects of nature of science can be directly linked to…