"Approaches and Strategies in Next Generation Science Learning" examines the challenges involved in the development of modern curriculum models, teaching strategies, and assessments in science education in order to prepare future students in the 21st century economies. This comprehensive collection of research brings together science educators,…

This study explored teacher perspectives on the use of socioscientific issues (SSI) and on dealing with ethics in the context of science instruction. Twenty-two middle and high school science teachers from three US states participated in semi-structured interviews, and researchers employed inductive analyses to explore emergent patterns relative…

Reports on a study into how the history of chemistry is being taught in colleges and universities. Results indicate that courses on the history of chemistry are hardly ever required of chemistry majors, and they are offered in only 10 percent of American Chemical Society approved chemistry departments. (TW)

Surveyed dietetics directors (N=186) and biochemistry instructors (N=153) on topics emphasized in biochemistry courses for dietetics and nutrition students. Results indicate a consistent pattern of variation in topics emphasized and that this variation is influenced by whether students in other major fields are also in a course. (JN)

It is argued that science's reputation as a "hard" subject can be attributed to four intrinsic features of science and/or learners. The reasons for a link between abstraction and difficulty are briefly explored. It is suggested that certain extrinsic features of science education, resulting from choices by science educators, exacerbate these…

Discussed is the breakdown between researcher and researched in controversies that involve matters of public policy. Presented are three case studies that show how social analysts do become involved in the controversies they are investigating. The implications of this process for theory and practice are addressed. (KR)

Explores two ways of critically examining scientific knowledge in the context of a current socioscientific dispute: the unsterilized spacecraft in NASA's Galileo Mission to Jupiter. (PR)

Discusses the teaching of evolution in New Zealand during the first half of the twentieth century. Reports that evolution instruction began formally in the 1920s but was withdrawn 30 years later amid protests. Observes that the teaching of evolution predated the 1920s in muted form. Describes the roles of broadcasting and religion in the dispute.…

Questions a hypothesis from creation science dealing with mammals. Claims that, when tested, the hypothesis fails in two ways. (TW)

Described is the work done with preservice science teachers in a course that aims to increase students' abilities to reflect on their own pedagogical understandings. A description of the context of the course, a clarification of the notion of reflection, and a discussion of interviewing activities are included. (30 references) (KR)

Examined is the extent to which trends found in high school biology textbooks are also found in earth science texts. Procedures, book lists, and summaries are presented. It is recommended that more emphasis be placed on the theory of evolution in future editions of earth science textbooks. (CW)

Grade 11 students enrolled in a science/technology/society (STS) course, students not enrolled and their respective teachers were profiled. The results indicate that STS education rather that STS "doctrination" is the norm, the goal of "STS-literate" students has not been achieved, and the long-term retention capability of the established and…

Describes some of the contributions made by the field of paleontology to theories in geology and biology. Suggests that the two best examples of modern evolutionary paleontology relate to the theory of punctuated equilibria, and the possibility that mass extinctions may be cyclic. (TW)

Reported are the results of a survey of undergraduate students regarding their attitudes about the use of animals in science experiments following a presentation of both sides of the issue. Survey methods, results, and implications are discussed. (CW)

Described are chemistry and physics courses at several colleges as applications of the New Liberal Arts program for nonscience majors. The major themes of the program and several examples of this approach are discussed. (CW)