This paper inquires into the topic of bad science and its social implications by examining selected issues aimed at elucidating some of the brute facts of scientific progress. It should be noted that the paper is also situated in at least 3 of the 10 overarching thematic strands that form the basis of the societal studies standards: cultural…

The 20th century brought great changes. Scientific advances have improved transport, communication, and information for millions but the development of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction has threatened us all. Now we must continue our first steps towards a war-free world by developing a loyalty to humanity. Scientists must accept…

Presents a rationale for using the history of science in science education. Uses the life and work of Louis Pasteur to illustrate how the history of science can illustrate the nature of science. Describes how Pasteur's bourgeois ideology and ambition influenced his selection of problems to investigate. (over 35 references) (PR)

Describes various aspects of the composition, production, historical, and current use of glass in human society. Gives print and Internet references for further information. (WRM)

Describes changes to a traditional study of population in yeast colonies. Changes to the procedures include: (1) only one culture per student team; (2) cultures are inoculated only once; and (3) the same tube is sampled daily. (DDR)

Discusses the origins and development of rockets mainly from the perspective of warfare. Includes some early enthusiasts, such as Congreve, Tsiolkovosky, Goddard, and Oberth. Describes developments from World War II, and during satellite development. (YP)

Studies the complex relationship between science and technology. Derives three different interaction patterns from the history of industrial research laboratories: (1) science as enabler for technology; (2) science as a forerunner of technology; and (3) science as a knowledge resource for technology. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Suggests an educational exercise involving the ranking of historically significant scientists. As a stimulus for the activity, instructor presents findings to the following question asked of approximately 50 IBM employees: Which scientists in history have had the most influence on lives and thoughts? Includes the list and a sampling of…

Argues that current thinking about science teaching and conceptual change needs to be counterbalanced by contextual or cultural constructivist ideas. A collaborative view should include the sociological study of cultural milieus in which scientific ideas arise. The logic of discovery from a sociological point of view implies that conceptual change…

Although the film and play "Inherit the Wind" is sometimes thought to be an accurate depiction of the Scopes Trial, there are many major inaccuracies. Summarizes the major differences between what is portrayed in "Inherit the Wind" and what happened in Dayton, Tennessee in 1925 at John Scopes's trial. (WRM)

Describes the organization and completion of a scientific field trip for a group of high school physics students that was organized primarily around a study of the Manhattan Project. The group visited the Trinity site, Los Alamos, several museums, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array. Contact information for the various…

Describes ways in which newspaper articles can serve science teachers as a springboard for discussion, creativity, prediction, and understanding in science classrooms. Articles can be used to study historical scientific discoveries, design lesson plans, and boost scientific literacy. (PVD)

The gradual decline of anthropocentrism from 50,000 BC to the present is traced in relation to the controversy over the teaching of evolution and creationism. The discussion focuses on the battle over people's minds as waged in the public schools by fundamentalist religious groups and others. (CW)

Reports on the implementation of engineering design projects in two dozen secondary-science classrooms in the United States following an inservice professional-development course conducted at a university engineering college. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

Explains the scientific concepts, technical designs, and materials that make up incandescent light sources. (WRM)