Women and people of colour are underrepresented in physics in many parts of the world, to the detriment of the field. How do academics' beliefs about the role of 'brilliance' in career success contribute to these representation gaps, and what can be done to address them?

Interest in the application of the history and philosophy of science to science education raises important questions about the effect such considerations will have on educational practice. In this paper, the application emphasizes concepts related to theory testing and theory development specifically and to the growth of knowledge generally. This…

Reports on a survey of the undergraduate programs of 50 engineering schools which was designed to investigate the engineering curriculum with regard to core courses in statics and dynamics. Indicates that only about one-third of the schools require these courses. Argues for their return to the programs. (TW)

Conducted classroom observations to determine students' understanding of the nature of science and the intentionality of experiments. Topics discussed include: does science seek to explain, using models, proving that the theoretical explanation is correct, and discussions of different interpretations. Concludes that most students in the 14-16 age…

Questions the differences between computer science and computer engineering. Reviews the body of knowledge pertaining to both fields. Asserts that they are essentially the same, and that computer science is a genuine intellectual discipline. (TW)

The results of a survey sent to members of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) asking what they believed to be the essential topics to be covered in the introductory high school biology course are provided. Interpretations of the data and recommendations are included. (KR)

Addresses the issue of whether traditional high school chemistry is needed for all students as preparation for the study of college level chemistry. Recommends an approach which stresses applications and societal issues for high school students. (ML)

Discusses difficulties of learning and teaching science at the secondary school level. Highlights include the nature of science concepts; multilevel thought; the use of scientific experiments; language problems; students' learning processes; and an information processing model that can be used to guide thinking and research in this area. (10…

Presents a model of expert reasoning practices that focuses on constructive modeling, a tacit dimension of the thinking practices of expert physicists. Draws on historical cases and protocol accounts of expert reasoning in scientific problem solving and argues that having expertise in physics requires facility with the practice of constructive…

Some interesting work currently being done in science education research is with scientifically misconceived ideas about the causes and mechanisms of natural phenomena. Though not stated explicitly, it can be inferred from the corpus of this misconception research that an assumption of homogeneity among students is made, even where there is…

Investigates superintendents' needs in mathematics and science instruction. Used was a Likert-type questionnaire covering teacher quality, teacher supply, minority access, materials and equipment, and curriculum for non-academic students. A follow-up telephone survey examined the types of materials and equipment most needed. (YP)

Reports on an investigation of 31 introductory geology textbooks indicating that the concept of contact between bodies of rock is only rarely discussed. Data collected pertaining to 15 related terms demonstrated that many are either omitted or inadequately covered. (TW)

Discussed are the ways that misconceptions about chemistry are acquired by presecondary children. Several recommendations for teaching chemistry to children are presented including the use of variety, hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills, and appropriate timing of concepts. (CW)

Cites studies related to students' misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter. Stresses that a good understanding of these concepts is fundamental to the study of chemistry itself. Reports on a study of preservice elementary teachers views of the particulate nature of matter before instruction on the topic. (TW)

Presents a case study of the teaching practices of a biology teacher in Western Australia. Identifies practices considered exemplary for analysis by biology teachers and teacher educators. Discusses the methodology of the study and the qualities of exemplary teaching. (CW)