Psychological equilibration (internal mental process by which individuals develop intellectually) is discussed in terms of its origin in the biological theory of evolution and in the thinking of Jean Piaget. The importance of equilibration theory for biology instruction is then considered. (Author/JN)

Students (N=387) in grades 8, 10, 12, and college were administered eight reasoning items to test hypothesis that the basic logic utilized in individuals in scientific hypothesis testing is the biconditional and that the biconditional is a precondition for development of formal operations. Results and implications for science instruction are…

Cites shortcomings of typical physics homework problems and encourages the assignment of open-ended problems to extend and combine patterns of reasoning. Provides examples of thought-provoking problems. (CP)

Investigated the development of formal reasoning among students (ages 10-18 years) from predominately White, middle-class communities located in rural, suburban homogeneous, and suburban heterogeneous areas. Results indicate clear differences among communities in formal reasoning ability. Implications for using science instruction to promote…

A sample of 14 college and 8 high school biology textbooks were evaluated to determine whether they provided accurate and adequate descriptions and examples of scientific thinking. The authors contrast their views of the nature of scientific thinking with those of the textbook authors on the concepts of hypothesis, theory, law, and principle. (MDH)

Introduces biology teachers to the central ideas of Piaget's theory of intellectual development. Also presents a scheme of biology instruction and classroom procedures based on a Piaget-related theory of learning. (PEB)

Presents a learning cycle lesson plan in which students investigate the question of how cells divide. Students use microscopes to explore actual plant root and stem tissues to generate and test hypotheses to answer the question. Includes teacher material, student material, and teaching tips. (MDH)

To determine responsiveness to instruction, matched concrete operational seventh-grade (N=50) and college (N=72) students were given identical classroom instruction in probabilistic and correlational reasoning using biological concepts. Field dependence/independence and fluid intelligence were examined. Reasons why college students are more…

Argues that the candle-and-cylinder demonstration does not show that air is composed of 21% oxygen. Finds that the heating of air results in a partial expulsion of air, and that the flame is extinguished by a local, rather than a complete, consumption of oxygen. (WRM)

Presents a lesson that addresses the scientific aspects of the evolution versus special creation controversy by having students gather evidence from the fossil record and analyze that evidence using critical-thinking skills. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Introduces the learning cycle method in the context of biology instruction. Includes a theoretical rationale for its use as well as a brief review of key studies that have found it effective. (Author/MM)

Twenty-three high school biology students using the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Blue Textbook were administered a weight conservation and two volume conservation tasks. A majority performed below formal-operational level, indicating that these students would be likely to encounter difficuluty with BSCS Blue Version materials. (MLH)

Briefly describes the problem of graduate teaching assistants having little if any experience in inquiry teaching. Proposes solutions to this problem so it can be avoided in the future. (SAH)

Reported is a study to assess the Piagetian level of performance of males and females on two manipulative tasks of concrete and formal reasoning abilities and a written examination of concrete and formal reasoning abilities. Sixty-two high school students, 31 males and 31 females, were randomly selected from a biology course at Delphi High School…

Three Piagetian tests of formal reasoning were administered to 65 high school biology students after half of this group had been exposed to a training session involving the control of variables. Among the results of this study was that the concrete operational students benefited more from the training session than did the formal operational…