Five high school biology textbooks were examined to determine the inclusion of four aspects of the nature of science: (a) science as a body of knowledge, (b) science as a way of investigating, (c) science as a way of thinking, and (d) science and its interactions with technology and society. The textbooks analyzed were "BSCS Biology--A Human…

In everyday life people have to interpret and negotiate scientific knowledge in conjunction with other forms of knowledge. Three levels of public understanding of science are described, including its intellectual contents, its research methods, and its organizational forms of ownership and control. (KR)

Suggests that when considering the contribution of scientific activity to the greater good, science must be seen as forming a unique hybrid practice, together with other mediating practices, that constitute scientifically-literate good citizenship. Presents examples of activities that embed science in good citizenship. (Contains 46 references.)…

Several years ago, after a career of teaching biochemistry and introductory biology, the author decided to offer a course for biology majors on biological explanations of social phenomena (Biosocial Problems in Contemporary America). His goal in examining these topics was to help students develop critical-thinking skills that would allow them to…

Explores the complex interaction between a group of University of California 'farm advisors' and the farm community that they are meant to advise. Focuses on the advisors' use of field-based experiments conducted on growers' land to convince their agricultural clientele to farm in a new way. (Author/YDS)

The international science education community recognises the role of pre-service science teachers' views about the interdependence of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) in achieving scientific literacy for all. To this end, pre-service science teachers' STS views signal the strengths and the weaknesses of science education reform movements.…

This article presents a learning cycle with the aim of helping students understand the evidentiary basis of scientific claims. Students consider data and interpretations as used to support contradictory views in the debate surrounding the causal relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).…

This article reports the effects of a science, technology, and society (STS) teaching approach on the knowledge and attitudes of preservice science and mathematics teachers in Uganda toward global science and technology-based problems and/or threats. The responses of a baseline or control group (N = 50) and an experimental group (N = 50) to five…

Describes an interdisciplinary course centered around diverse reading material, in-class discussions, and argumentative essays. Considers the question, What does it mean to be human? The class proved to be a successful model for courses that prepare students to engage in discussions as scientifically literate citizens. (SAH)

Collaboration between the Committee on the Public Understanding of Science and the Women's Institutes in Britain resulted in a course, "Science, You, and Everyday Life," designed to develop women's confidence and enjoyment of science. (SK)

Content of seven high school chemistry textbooks were examined for curriculum balance and emphasis on aspects of scientific literacy: science as a body of knowledge; science as a way of investigating; science as a way of thinking; and interaction among science, technology, and society. Quantity of written material and textbook aids in chapters…

Assesses the impact on participant behavior of a 2-1/2 day videoconference. Identifies three categories of personal behavior changes: (1) networking; (2) office procedures; and (3) curriculum development. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Studies the introduction of technology into the science curriculum and offers a general framework for analyzing technology as artifact, knowledge, and social practice. Provides analytical tools to study the implications of technology in general education. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Describes the AQA AS-level course 'Science for Public Understanding' and explains its underlying rationale. Shows how a topic-based course can be used to consolidate students' understanding of some scientific explanations and ideas-about-science in a systematic manner. (Author/MM)

Presents data collected concerning scientific, religious, and magic-occult connections from Finnish, Estonian, and Michigan primary teacher students to answer questions such as Do we find any differences between the credibility estimates?, Are there any differences between primary teacher students raised in different societies and educated in…