Presented is a compilation of papers focusing on new questions and new directions for research in science education. Papers are grouped into one of three related fields of research: (1) analysis of curriculum materials, especially science textbooks; (2) investigations of science understandings of students and experts; and (3) investigations of the contextual factors of science classrooms. A general introduction precedes each of these three sections and summarizes and compares papers. Individual papers describe a particular problem related to one of the general areas, the theoretical base underlying the research and how the problem is being investigated, and selected research findings. Topics include: (1) textbook assessment; (2) analysis of science textbooks; (3) structure, strategies, and comprehension in learning; (4) concept of change in scientific reasoning; (5) understanding and problem-solving in physics; (6) implications of classroom research for science and math instruction; (7) mathematics classroom inquiry; and (8) the case for the participant/observer in mathematics classrooms. (DS)