An American Institute of Physics survey was modified to determine major physics topics emphasized in small Missouri high schools and teachers' perceived adequacy to teach them. Data tables show the emphasis that 103 Missouri teachers placed on 38 physics topics, compared to national counterparts, as well as teachers' perceptions of their knowledge…

Describes an inservice program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of elementary school teachers with regard to science content, effective teaching strategies, and gender equity. Finds that the project has a positive impact on science teaching content and pedagogy, and on female student interest and active participation in science.…

This case study narrative of a middle school science teacher's experience of science education and commitment to promoting equity was developed collaboratively by the teacher and a university researcher. It demonstrates how this form of case study can be a way to represent teachers' practical knowledge. (SK)

Presents some elementary-level science activities that can be used to study moving and falling objects. Provides background information on motion and force for elementary teachers. (WRM)

Describes the development and validation of an instrument on Student Perceptions of Teachers' Knowledge (SPOTK) in relation to their pedagogy. Uses features of teachers' knowledge from the research literature related to instruction, representation, subject matter knowledge, and assessment of students' understanding to generate categories in the…

Outlines a process for a professional development workshop whose intent is to help preservice and inservice science teachers gain an initial understanding of how the National Science Education Standards can be integrated into their teaching programs and practices. (Contains 30 references.) (Author)

Describes a study of preservice elementary teachers' (n=179) perceptions of geologic time. Finds that the respondents perceived events in Earth's geological past as falling into three distinct clusters: extremely ancient, less ancient, and geologically recent. Finds also that the teachers' grasp of relative time is more secure than their grasp of…

Four groups of British primary school special education teachers (total N=30) met to identify and discuss the special education needs books that most influenced their work. The 47 books identified indicate that these practitioners value extending their knowledge base by reading both theoretical and practice-based books. (Contains 11 references and…

Investigated similarities and differences in elementary student teachers' pre- and post-student teaching conceptions and the factors to which they attributed changes in their thinking. Participants completed surveys before and after student teaching, and some completed interviews. Results indicated that interpersonal and intrapersonal sources…

Uses data from a survey of Perth lower secondary science teachers to reveal low levels of inquiry and determine the nature of the laboratory work undertaken by their students. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Reports on research that investigates the effect of teachers' sociological understanding of science on their design and implementation of curriculum innovations. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Describes one way to promote preservice teachers' awareness of the different kinds of science education resource centers that exist in their own communities. Involves students in making a directory of resources. (DDR)

Reports on a study that seeks to characterize and detect the salient features which mark the activities of science teaching distinctly as teaching or as science teaching. Draws from a multi-year National Science Foundation (NSF) project that involves students in special recitation sections for introductory biology. (DDR)

Analyzes the interrelations between prospective and practicing teachers' learning of the mathematics of change and the development of their emerging understanding of effective mathematics teaching. Develops novel computer-based activities to challenge participants' mathematical understandings and requires them to use technology during short…

A study examined the use of cognitive mapping for tracking the progress of 25 students seeking a graduate degree with a concentration in gifted education. Results indicated the maps could successfully be used to talk with students about their individual progress in graduate school regarding knowledge, skills, and experience. (Contains references.)…