Appropriate Technology (AT) concepts have been discussed throughout this past century by notable leaders and scholars such as Mohandas Gandhi and Julius Nyerere; however, the undisputed founder of the AT movement was E. F. Schumacher, a British economist who worked extensively in India and Burma during the 1950s and 60s. Schumacher encapsulated…

Energy is not only a core concept in physics but also a major issue in our post-Kyoto world. When using a constructivist approach to teaching, we need to be aware of students' preconceptions. A palette of alternative frameworks, which includes those used by adults within the community, can facilitate this. An exploration of energy issues with…

The purpose of the study was to discern the beliefs of pre-service science teachers (PST) concerning science technology and their implications in society. A quasi-experimental design was used. The results indicate that students who experienced Science Technology and Society (STS) approach perform better than students enrolled in section where…

Examines questions about the philosophy and practice of science and their relevance to a sustainable future. Discusses flaws in the use of the scientific method, the necessity of integrating the physical and mental qualities of science with the emotional and spiritual qualities of life, and universal connectedness, as understood in traditional…

Develops a conception of science as a complex series of cultural practices mediated in an through discourse. Uses a case study of the cold fusion controversy to demonstrate that internal scientific practices cannot explain adequately the eventual closure of the debate and that those explanations are found in the rhetorical practices of…

Discusses the events surrounding a famous picture of Albert Einstein in which he poses near a blackboard containing a tensor form of his 10 field equations for pure gravity with a question mark after it. Speculates as to the content of Einstein's lecture and the questions he might have had about the equation. (Contains over 30 references.) (WRM)

Four questions related to rain concerning aerodynamic drag force, pressure from the impact of raindrops, impact of wind on the pressure, and stopping force extended on the car by the water are proposed. (YP)

Provides both a rationale and framework for Earth systems education and a description of the early development of the Program for Leadership in Earth Systems Education (PLESE). Presents the seven basic understandings that form the conceptual basis for the PLESE program. (five references) (MCO)

Presents some classic information on the biology of insects as well as some new research on ants, butterflies, and beetles. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Describes a simple shopping game that provides an active and entertaining way for middle school students to appreciate what is meant by chemical formulae. (WRM)

The first section of this article examines a range of definitions of biotechnology. This analysis demonstrates that teachers' choices will determine their view of biotechnology, as positioned along a traditional-modern, axis, and provides examples of the tensions that these differing positions create. A further section argues that in order for…

This paper describes an evaluation by two science educators of the pilot offering of an interdisciplinary critical issues course in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) designed to fulfill the natural science general degree requirements at a major university. This social science general studies course is an STS interdisciplinary course that…

Speculates on the effect of the debate about evolution as a scientific theory on public perception of science. Cites poll data that suggests that the public and a good number of science teachers have not resolved the issue for themselves. Focuses on the hidden curriculum. (DDR)

Listed are the 19 artificial elements and the meanings of the terms "natural" and "artificial" when applied to elements are discussed. Describes some commercial uses of each. (YP)

Discusses the importance of the teaching and learning of science/technology in the context of human experience. Highlights the role of constructivism in Science Technology Society (STS) reform efforts. (JRH)