Presents an historical analysis of the work concept with particular emphasis given to the contributions of John Smeaton and Daniel Bernoulli. Emphasizes the work done by both applied and resisting forces. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Presents arguments for and against the appropriateness of philosophical hermeneutics as a framework for natural science education. Discusses reasons for its relevance to science and to the problem of meaning in science education. Suggests that each science be viewed as a language. (Contains 29 references.) (MDH)

Strongly recommends asking students to reflect on their activities when engaging in or studying science. Encouraging students to ask the kinds of questions that philosophers of science ask actively engages students in the scientific inquiry process. (DDR)

Claims that, in contrast to Hugh Lacey's arguments, current research in nonindustrialized nations demonstrates how a materialistic strategy of scientific understanding may be sensitive to cultural context. Concludes that differentiating ethical and scientific values is essential lest we conflate descriptive and normative processes. (Author/WRM)

Describes six divergent forms of constructivism in providing an overview of constructivist theory. Suggests a scheme for characterizing constructivist writing on the basis of its relative emphasis on personal versus social construction of knowledge, and objectivist versus relativist views of the nature of science. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Argues that some forms of constructivism propose an epistemological idealism with a concomitant relativism, while other forms are explicitly opposed to such positions. Explains that all forms of constructivism are often presented as being relativistic. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Examines central parts from the first two papers in this journal by Peter Slezak criticizing the "sociology of scientific knowledge". Considers some of the main philosophical issues raised by sociologists of science. Contains 87 references. (DDR)

Constructs the philosophical background and underpinnings of the Science Education Portfolio Instruction and Assessment (SEPIA) project. Explains that students must develop skills in order to participate in epistemic interchanges. They must also be provided opportunities and materials to develop those skills. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Distinguishes between psychological constructivist and social constructivist groups. Explains the reasons for the growing acrimony in debates between the two groups. Discusses social constructivist accounts of the causes of belief in science. Contains 43 references. (DDR)

Examines some of the potential and some of the problems inherent in using computerized simulations in science and science studies classes by applying lessons from the epistemology of science. While computer simulations are useful pedagogical tools, they are not experiments and thus are of only limited utility as substitutes for actual…

Describes a study providing evidence of how students' talk and writing about the nature of science differs depending on the particular scientific topic under discussion. Describes the relationship between theory and evidence, warrants for belief, and nature of observation. (Contains 25 references.) (Author/YDS)

A greater role for the history and philosophy of science in science education can only be realized if it is based on both a credible analytical approach--such as that of Lakatos--and if the evolution of a sufficient number of major themes in science is known in suitable detail. Considers chemical kinetics as an example topic. Contains 62…

Demonstrates how to use the concept of phlogiston to teach oxidation and reduction reactions. Discusses the project as an exemplar for integrating the history, philosophy, and sociology of science to teach basic scientific concepts. Contains 70 references. (DDR)

Argues that constructivist science education works with an unsatisfactory account of knowledge which affects both its account of the nature of science and of science education. Includes a brief survey of realism and anti-realism in science. Contains 42 references. (DDR)

Discusses and criticizes a number of constructivist positions in education that are based on distinctions between the metaphors of "finding" versus "making" for the obtaining of new knowledge. Discusses what is of value in constructivism and what is ill-founded baggage. Contains 25 references. (DDR)