Although integrating the history of science (HOS) into teaching has long been recommended in science education research, studies have revealed conflicting results on its effectiveness. These are mainly due to the need for more studies in this context. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the impact of HOS teaching on science process skills,…

Purpose: Approaches to learning have the ability to influence knowledge acquisition, comprehension, retention and even motivation to learn. Previous work indicates that despite age, experience, or prior knowledge, students have a tendency to approach learning differently as a function of the presented content. The purpose of this study is to…

CHANGES IN AMERICAN SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGICAL EDUCATION DURING THE PERIOD 1890-1960 ARE DESCRIBED. INFORMATION FROM THE REPORTS OF IMPORTANT COMMITTEES SUMMARIZES CHANGES IN BIOLOGICAL EDUCATION DURING EACH DECADE OF THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE STUDY. CHANGES IN COURSE CONTENT, TEACHING METHODOLOGY, AND RATIONALE ARE RELATED TO CORRESPONDING…

Argues for an increased emphasis on teaching the history of science in secondary school science courses. A greater understanding of the nature of the scientific enterprise in the past should make students more aware of the interrelationships of science and society. (JR)

As the common thread in biology, the topic of evolution and its related historical development can help students make sense of diverse biological concepts. The discussion of evolution provides educators with something else--a significant opportunity to teach important lessons involving the nature of science (NOS). This article addresses strategies…

Gives the background history and chemistry of modern day chemical warfare from World War I to the present. Provides discussion questions to stimulate deeper thinking on the issue. Contains a discussion activity called "Can New Chemical Weapons Lead to Humane Warfare?" (CW)

In 1989, Oakton Community College (OCC) in Des Plaines, Illinois, began developing an honors core seminar in the sciences. The course was to be an interdisciplinary, laboratory-based science and humanities seminar, designed to explore the nature, process, and methods of science and the place of science in society. Rather than mastering a body of…