Contains three demonstrations to help students develop an adequate understanding of the nature of science. Two use the inquiry method to show students the importance of evidence in formulating explanations, and the third uses the history of science to show that science is tentative as well as based on evidence. (LZ)

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…

Various critiques of the 20 most important ideas of science as presented in the book "Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy" are reported. A list of these ideas is provided. Different points of view on these ideas are discussed. (CW)

In their book entitled Scientific Knowledge, Barry Barnes, David Bloor, and John Henry repudiate the notion that physical environment plays no role in the creation of scientific knowledge, thereby removing a major bone of contention between scientists and practitioners of the sociology of scientific knowledge. A physicist discusses ways in which…

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…