Examines the nature of observational science and cites its role as a foundation for subsequent scientific research. Uses a case history to illustrate the interplay of observation, problem recognition, and hypothesis testing. (DDR)

Presents the activity of building a cotton-ball catapult collaboratively. Uses available spare parts and stimulates students to use their knowledge, skills, and past experiences. (YDS)

Describes an open-ended, inquiry-based chemistry lab in which students design and construct snow globes. Encourages the development of problem solving skills. (DDR)

Presents research founded on a socio-ecological approach to environmental education that includes individual and structural aspects of environmental awareness and problem solving. Presents one instrument used in discussions with teacher teams. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Details a project in which successful DNA analysis techniques were developed by students and their teacher in a rural school. Focuses on a study of sage grouse. (DDR)

Explores the arguments used by 14-year-old students in making decisions about the design of a road in their area. Describes the general perspective of such an approach and the process of argumentation, then analyzes the nature of the students' arguments which are discussed on the basis of a specifically-constructed network. Contains 20 references.…

Presents the idea that, to improve secondary science, school science teaching students must be taught to use the activities of science: questioning, information gathering, hypothesizing, testing and conveying, and confronting current issues and problems in science. Activities and ideas that can be used to help students understand and use the…

Examines the rise of the general science course and its implications for the reform of secondary science education. Concludes that while recent reforms emphasize the personal and social character of science and the use of the scientific method, they will not necessarily make students more scientifically literate or train them to think about…

The relationship between computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical control (CNC) computer applications is described. Tips for helping educate the CAM buyer on what to look for and what to avoid when searching for the most appropriate instructional CAM package are provided. (KR)

Offers suggestions for incorporating topics that relate to the Apollo 13 space mission into a chemistry course. Discusses connections between the study of chemistry and space exploration, including fuels and oxidants used, reasons for an oxygen tank rupture, and lithium hydroxide-containing carbon dioxide filters. Contains 11 references. (WRM)

Discusses the meaning of a "contextual approach" to teaching physics. Advances a model of contextual physics teaching that can also be applied to other science disciplines. (Contains 54 references.) (Author/WRM)

The use of science fiction can be a valuable tool for constructing a highly mental schema in a learner on which to build new learning, to stimulate creative problem solving, and to generate the flexibility needed for adjusting to a rapidly changing, progressively technological society. By using science fiction in a science class, a science teacher…

This document--intended to help technology education teachers plan their classroom curriculum for secondary school and college students--contains units on getting to know technology; problem solving; systems and subsystems; how technology affects people and the environment; controlling technological systems; how resources are processed by…

An interdisciplinary robotics project undertaken by students is described. The students acted as designers, innovators, and the engineers in designing a dancing robot. The origin of the problem, designing of the mechanical frame, pneumatics, digitized sound, and problems with the design are discussed. (KR)

Information processing models do not account for much of human competence in everyday scientific and lay contexts. Situated cognition models account better for competence in widely differing situations. In situated cognition models, the purpose of science education must be reconceived as preparing citizens to participate in public enactments of…