In this study, we explored undergraduate chemistry education at Kotebe University of Education (KUE) in terms of the ontological orientations, patterns and source domains of educators' and undergraduate students' sense of the atom. Due to the ambiguity and controversy regarding atomic ontology as a case of interest and the requirement for a…

Nature of science (NOS) is now a well-established focus of science education and a key element in defining scientific literacy. In recent years, a particular specification of NOS, often described as "the consensus view," has become very influential and has gained ready acceptance in many countries around the world as a template for…

In this article, we report on a three-pronged effort to create a hypothetical learning progression for quantification in science. First, we drew from history and philosophy of science to define the quantification competency and develop hypothetical levels of the learning progression. More specifically, the quantification competency refers to the…

This paper describes an interdisciplinary effort involving faculty from five different disciplines who came together to develop an interdisciplinary, open, general education cybersecurity course. The course, Cybersecurity, Technology, and Society, brings together ideas from interdisciplinary studies, information technology, engineering, business,…

In this paper, I argue that contemporary accounts of nature of science (NoS) are limited in their depiction of "science" and that new perspectives are needed to broaden their characterisation and appeal for science education. In particular, I refer to the role of interdisciplinary characterisations of science in informing the theory and…

This paper comments on the process of re-development of the Maori-medium Science (Putaiao) curriculum, as part of overall curriculum development in Aotearoa New Zealand. A significant difference from the English Science curriculum was the addition of an "extra strand" covering the history and philosophy of science. It is recommended that…

Reviews some efforts in elementary school science made since the early 1960's, including the Elementary Science Study, Science-A Process Approach, and Science Curriculum Improvement Study projects. Suggests scientists from all levels of the educational and scientific community assist the implementation of these programs. (CC)

All educators should be concerned about curriculum. Curriculum is the path to giving students the best possible education enveloping an in-depth learning experience. Dr. Kritsonis's "Ways of Knowing Through the Realms of Meaning" provides a guide for schools to select curriculum that is appropriate, rigorous, and enriched. Through alignment, Dr.…

Examines issues and developments surrounding early National Science Foundation (NSF) curriculum projects, providing a conceptual basis for understanding present science education issues on re-education of teachers and redesigning science curricula. The scientific community had great control on the NSF projects but did not consider new…

Applies Kuhn's model of the structure of scientific revolutions, Popper's hypothetic-deductive model of science, and Lakatos' methodology of competing research programs to a historical biological episode. Suggests using Kuhn's model (emphasizing the nonrational basis of science) and Popper's model (emphasizing the rational basis of science) in…

The increased emphasis on theory in undergraduate/introductory chemistry courses suggests a need for beginning students to understand philosophic aspects of scientific theory. Discusses alternative viewpoints on theory development and how misapprehensions about this can influence student creativity; argues for formal introduction to theory…

During the 1970s, efforts to teach and research the social science and humanities aspects of the space program were reintensified. A 1978 survey of faculty suggested the need for a single volume that united introductory material on the various social science disciplines and the classroom experience of faculty already teaching in the field. This…

As the result of an extensive self-study for the purpose of reaccreditation, the Department of Theology at The University of Portland began offering a new series of courses called Theological Perspective Courses (THEP). THEP courses are upper division and offered by theology faculty in conjunction with another department that has required core…

Describes a course, "History and Philosophy of Science for Science Teachers," at the University of New South Wales which focuses on the seventeenth-century scientific revolution and the nineteenth-century Darwinian revolution. The object is to provide background knowledge and promote an interest in the subject. (SM)

Increasingly, there are calls for the school curriculum to reflect the real-world needs of students, such as the need to make difficult choices as citizens. The science curriculum is not exempt from these reappraisals of the relevance of what occurs in schools. Approaches to science involving social contexts are increasingly common, and with them…