Analyzing evolutionary relationships requires that students have a thorough understanding of evidence and of how scientists use evidence to develop these relationships. In this lesson sequence, students work in groups to process many different lines of evidence of evolutionary relationships between ungulates, then construct a scientific argument…

The main purpose of this study was to enhance student understanding of the scientific concepts of chemical reaction rate. Forty-four grade 11 students were the target group. The treatment tools were seven learning plans of 5E inquiry incorporated with an analogy learning approach during 15 hours of class time. In each learning plan, the students…

The current review examined modeling literature in top science education journals to better understand the pedagogical functions of modeling instruction reported over the last decade. Additionally, the review sought to understand the extent to which different modeling pedagogies were employed, the discursive acts that were identified as important,…

Presents the procedures, results, and conclusions of a study to compare the effectiveness of the open-ended chemistry laboratory with the traditional laboratory. Different classes of high school students in a college-preparatory chemistry course were exposed to the two laboratory techniques. The achievement tests and the Watson-Glaser Critical…

Examines the treatment of errors and significant figures in physics manuals as part of an evaluation of these instructional materials. Comments on specific materials reviewed are provided. (JN)

Content, readability, safety aspects, appearance, technique, effectiveness of experiments, enrichment exercises, teacher aids, and special features of 12 physics laboratory manuals are reported and compared. (JN)

The Laboratory Structure and Task Analysis Inventory (LAI) is an instrument designed to facilitate the analysis of laboratory investigations in secondary school science. It yields a quantitative picture of the kinds of activities required of a student in performing laboratory investigations. The report includes guidelines for the use of the…

Discusses the value of laboratory work, suggesting that it is not superior to other aids such as computer simulated experiments (CSE). Advantages of and problems related to use of CSE in the classroom, responses to criticisms of simulated laboratory work, and evaluation of CSE as a teaching aid are considered. (JN)

Described is a procedure for assessment of student performance in laboratory work (practical work) in Advanced Level Biology in England. Some historical background is included. (PB)

Compares between the component and the modules (system) approaches which are used to teach electronics at Croydon High School, Australia. The author presents some personal views from his experience of teaching both ways. (HM)

Presents performance assessments, written by a team of Wisconsin science teachers, designed to see if students know, have practiced, and are able to perform the skills associated with science problem solving. (JRH)

This is the final evaluation report of the On Growth and Form (OGAF): Learning Concepts of Probability and Fractals by Doing Science project that aimed at engaging high school students in hands-on science activities, experiments, and computer simulations that use probability and fractal geometry to model ragged structures in the real world.…