Makes a case for why teaching about 'ideas and evidence' requires more attention to the teaching of argument in school science. Outlines various practical methods and strategies of local teachers through which this might be achieved. Explores difficulties and obstacles. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/ASK)

Proceedings from the first three History and Philosophy of Science and Science Teaching Conferences are examined to identify the profile of papers in science content areas. Those papers with a chemistry education emphasis are investigated more closely. Results indicate that papers with physics content dominate. Chemistry and biology content were…

The research described in this paper investigates the use of portfolio assessment techniques in middle school science classrooms. It explores how alternative assessment frameworks, such as portfolios, can be used by the classroom teacher and the students as an indicator of students' conceptual understanding and to facilitate changes in science…

This paper reports some methodological approaches to the analysis of argumentation discourse developed as part of the two-and-a-half year project titled "Enhancing the Quality of Argument in School Science" supported by the Economic and Social Research Council in the United Kingdom. In this project researchers collaborated with…

Analyzes the importance of the philosophy of chemistry for teaching and learning as opposed to traditional applications of history and philosophy of science. Explores the implications of this new domain in the context of chemical models. (MM)

The research reported in this study focuses on an investigation into the teaching of argumentation in secondary science classrooms. Over a 1-year period, a group of 12 teachers from schools in the greater London area attended a series of workshops to develop materials and strategies to support the teaching of argumentation in scientific contexts.…

Eight physical science textbooks were analyzed for coverage on acids, bases, and neutralization. At the level of the text, clarity and coherence of statements were investigated. The conceptual framework for this topic was represented in a concept map which was used as a coding tool for tracing concepts and links present in textbooks. Cognitive…

Effective argumentation is the distinguishing feature of a classroom that employs discovery teaching and student inquiry methodologies. In the long term, the objective of the program is to understand how to design learning environments and curriculum, instruction, and assessment models that promote student self-reflection. The study evaluates the…

Reports a mismatch between teacher and pupil knowledge of acid-base chemistry as a result of controversial episodes from three science lessons. Suggests that the teacher's knowledge is guided by textbook information while the pupil's knowledge is based on direct experimental experience. Proposes that classroom activities should support the…

In this paper, the authors argue that chemical knowledge in the classroom will be enriched by the application of characterizations of models drawn from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This discussion highlights two important issues relating to chemical knowledge in the classroom: (1) the status of chemical knowledge in the classroom,…