Philosophy is concerned with fundamental questions about knowledge, truth, reality, experience, justice and what is right and wrong. In this article, the authors discuss how philosophy and science can be taught together in the primary classroom.

This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. In this issue the authors discuss a design project they have used with upper elementary students (grades 4-6). They note ways to engage students in thinking philosophically about technology to meet engineering design outcomes in the "Next Generation Science…

This is an editorial report on the outcomes of an international conference sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) (REESE-1205273) to the School of Education at Boston University and the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University for a conference titled: "How Can the History and Philosophy of…

This study reports on the types of academic talk that contribute to enhanced explanatory responses, reasoning, problem-solving and learning. The study involved 10 groups of 3-4 students who were provided with one of three linguistic tools (i.e. Cognitive Questioning, Philosophy for Children and Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR)) to scaffold…

This study explores the experiences of 4th grade students in an inquiry-based space science classroom. At the heart of the study lies the essential question: What is the lived experience of children engaged in the process of space science inquiry? Through the methodology of phenomenological inquiry, the author investigates the essence of the lived…

In this paper, I recall previous arguments for a hermeneutic approach to science and claim that such an approach necessitates attention to the development of dispositions. I undertake an analysis of Hans-Georg Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics to identify and describe dispositions relevant to a hermeneutic approach to science. I then apply…

Examines relations between the philosophy of science, scientific research methods, and the methods of school science teaching. Discusses a "Standard Philosophy of Science" and a "New Philosophy of Science." Proposes that the epistemological, sociological, and psychological aspects of scientific knowledge are important…

Insinuates that science teachers, through material selection and methodologies, project viewpoints concerning the history and philosophy of science. Questions the practice of teaching science as problem solving within rigid frameworks in as much as this view of scientists is promoted. (CP)

Perspectives on the nature of subject matter in science are offered in this paper. It is proposed that science and its context are better viewed as shifting rather than remaining fixed. The rational, moral, and authentic nature of science is explained in reference to education in general and more specifically to the contexts of the science teacher…

Papers presented include: (1) discussion in science lessons; (2) research on science interests of South Australian 12-year-olds (N=753); (3) chemistry and science philosophy; (4) methods/goals of teaching science to slow learners; (5) uses of industrial applications in science lessons; (6) nature of scientific observations; and (7) pros/cons of…

Suggests that the teaching of science and the philosophy of science are separate entities and should not be interconnected in elementary and secondary science instruction. Distinguishes between anecdotal and true science history stating that the former is more appropriate for most science classrooms. (CP)

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)

Discusses the lack of earth science education in the elementary school curriculum; includes reasons why the earth sciences have been neglected, why they should not be neglected, and what can be done to prevent the neglect. (SL)

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…

Offers perspectives on how conceptual changes actually take place in students. Proposes that elements of Kuhn's concept of scientific paradigms and Wittgenstein's concept of the "language-game" be considered in an analysis of conceptual change. Explains how components of these models relate to science learning. (ML)