Argues that neither creationism nor evolution is rigorously testable and that discussants should ask whether creationism is a workable scientific enterprise. Concludes that creationism does not meet the standards of a scientific enterprise and its inclusion in the public school curriculum would threaten the integrity of scientific judgment and…

Examines Drude's classical (1900) theory of electrical conduction, details the objections to and successes of the 1900 theory, and investigates the Quantum (1928) theory of conduction, reviewing its successes and limitations. (BT)

Using practical applications of the principles of elementary physics, the author details how beekeepers can monitor the weight of their colonies. The weighing technique described involves no costly equipment, is not limited to a single colony, and is developed from the principles of physics for rigid body equilibrium. (BT)

Discusses the discovery, physiological function and the three roles (the bridge, the gate, and the fence) of the junctions between epithelial cells. Experimental usefulness of epithelia in studying basic questions common to all cell membranes, such as extraction of channels and carriers, or origin of ion or nonelectrolyte selectivity, is…

Discussion of philosophy of knowledge considers two forms of epistemology, order and chaos, and argues for honoring both approaches while looking at knowledge in terms of complexity. Suggests that this new conception of knowledge poses a specific challenge to the teacher/educator to become an "instructed third," or mover between disciplines and…

Reports on a study that takes its point of departure from four facets of human functioning to which scientific literacy may contribute from a personal, social, and scientific disciplinary perspective. These include everyday coping, social decision making, working in technological industrial enterprises, and extending the frontiers of science and…

Establishes an image of a science writer based on a synthesis of writing theory, models, and research literature on academic writing in science and other disciplines, and contrasts this image with an actual prototypical image of scientists as writers of science. Assesses scientists' writing habits, beliefs, strategies, and perceptions of…

Explores how three assistant professors in geology departments assess college students' understanding of the nature of science (NOS). Discusses the usefulness of both qualitative and quantitative data in assessment and the ways in which assessment can impact teaching reforms. (Author/NB)

Documents the benefits of teaching chemistry through history. The experimental group consisted of seniors enrolled in a teacher preparation program in which they learned how to teach chemistry through the history of science. The results of the analysis of covariance revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on an…

Criticizes the methods and assumptions of a study that attempted to determine a standard list of tenets for the Nature of Science via statistical sampling of members of the Philosophy of Science Association (PSA). Provides a taxonomy of philosophic issues and suggests some roles for philosophy of science in science teaching and science-teacher…

Argues that a previous study of preservice teachers' beliefs about the nature of science (NOS) was interpretively and methodologically faulty. Contests the finding that teachers learned the NOS through implicit instruction, and questions the methodology leading to the assertion that teachers intended to include NOS instruction in their lessons.…