This paper reviews astronomy education research carried out among school students, teachers, and museum visitors over a 35-year period from 1974 until 2008. One hundred and three peer-reviewed journal articles were examined, the majority of whose research dealt with conceptions of astronomical phenomena with 40% investigating intervention…

This paper presents an investigation into how students studying at university engage actively with learning technology in their self-directed study time. The case study surveyed 250 students studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level from a purposive sample of departments within one institution. The study has also conducted focus groups and…

Purpose: The study is a two-stage inquiry into the influence of high school principals and department chairpersons on the nature of science and mathematics teachers' community of practice participation. Of particular interest is the extent to which formal leaders influence the formation of productive communities of practice and the extent to which…

General education classrooms provide a common milieu for understanding and appropriating results of classroom research projects, which are typically viewed as having little application outside their original contexts. Here, results of an investigation into the "sophomore slump," where grades and class attendance rates typically suffer, are…

Presents activities that involve geological sleuthing to solve mysteries. Uses sand for teaching the scientific method, involving parents and community members, and helping students see connections between science and other disciplines. (JRH)

Presents investigations of leaf surface wetness that provide ideal opportunities for students to explore the relationships between leaf form and function, to study surface conditions of leaves and plant physiology, and to make predictions about plant adaptation in different environments. Describes simple procedures for exploring questions related…

Offers a group exercise for teaching students how to achieve consensus concerning rank order. Explains that students are assigned to rank the incidence of animals biting their own species in New York City. Reports that the teacher chooses a group member to explain the group's ranking. Identifies evaluation methods for the exercise. (SG)

Describes the use of investigations for the purpose of assessment, teaching, and learning. Lists types of questions that can be included in investigations. Explains how to write an investigation and provides some examples. (ASK)

The difference between mathematical "investigations" and "investigating," used in two different British reports, is discussed. Investigations means an extensive project or extended exploration into a mathematical problem or topic. Investigating is promoted as an ongoing teaching method. (MNS)

Reports on rich mathematical activities that integrate different mathematics strands and learning. Describes how to introduce the task and the classroom setting, set up the task, and continue the investigation. Presents student work samples. (ASK)

Presents results of a two-year study regarding factors causing student difficulties in performing investigative activities in a beginning biology course. Also investigates the usefulness of written guidelines in alleviating these difficulties. A model for student investigations is proposed. (CS)

Portions of the Cockcroft Report which seem confusing are discussed. The connections among problems, applications, and investigations are considered in sections on being a mathematician; open is in the mind; assumptions, rules and patterns; and learning not to be anxious. (MNS)

Topics for investigation in mathematics classes that arise from the Olympics are discussed. Activities with performance records leading to the development of graphs are illustrated. (MNS)

Presents activities and investigations that provide a trail of physics-related topics for students to investigate at a bowling alley. (JRH)

An investigation concerning the sum of square digits is described to show college mathematics students how mathematicians really work. A computer program is included. (MNS)