Scientists Taking a Nature of Science Course: Beliefs and Learning Outcomes of Career Switchers

The purpose of the study was to examine what scientists studying to become teachers know about the nature of science (NOS) before, during and after a course focused on NOS. The 16 scientists had an average of 9.7 years of work experience. The course was structured to teach knowledge about the aspects of NOS, demonstrate effective methods of teaching NOS, provide examples of successful attempts at meaningfully incorporating NOS into science content, and give students an opportunity to design and teach their own lessons incorporating NOS. Data sources collected include a prepost test of Views of Science and Education, electronic discussion postings, written class assignment of a clinical interview with an adolescent about NOS, video recordings of teaching, and individual interviews conducted three months after the course. Quantitative and qualitative data indicate that the scientists entered the course with much knowledge regarding the tentativeness of science and the nature of observations. There were significant gains in sophistication of view of NOS with regard to the following aspects of NOS: (a) knowing that variety of scientific methods exist, (b) the role of theories and laws, (c) the use of imagination, and (d) the role of subjectivity and objectivity in science.     

Student Learning about Twelve Features of the Nature of Science

Five Teacher Leaders organized a study regarding two of their sections of 8–9th grade science. One section was the experimental section where twelve constituents of the Nature of Science (NOS) were used as an added consideration to activities, discussions, projects, and focus for all aspects of science content. The control section was a typical one where STS approaches were used without any conscientious efforts to add appropriate NOS considerations. Significant differences were found regarding student improvement and understanding of the twelve NOS constructs that were utilized; no such differences were noted in the control sections for the five teachers.     

Finding Alignment: The Perceptions and Integration of the Next Generation Science Standards Practices by Elementary Teachers

Preparing elementary‐level teachers to teach in alignment with the eight Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) practices could prove to be a daunting endeavor. However, the process may be catalyzed by leveraging elements of teacher science instruction that inherently attend to the practice standards. In this study, we investigated the science instruction of three grade 3–5 elementary‐level teachers. We used observation, interviews, and surveys to determine the level to which the teachers perceived they taught and engaged in teaching science aligned with the eight NGSS practices. We found that the teachers were partially, and intrinsically implementing several of these practices in their instruction, and at the same time could not articulate the eight NGSS practices. Our results suggest there may be ample opportunity to build on the current science instruction of elementary‐level teachers to bring their instruction into alignment with the NGSS. We found that teachers’ perceive professional development, school culture, and access to additional instructional resources to be essential to their adoption of the NGSS practices.     

A Longitudinal Study of Middle and Secondary Level Science Textbook Vocabulary Loads

Middle and secondary science textbooks have long been a primary support for instruction, often leading to heavy emphasis on domain‐specific vocabulary. A longitudinal study was conducted to compare vocabulary loads of science textbooks published since 2010 to results of two previous studies going back to 1983. In each study, textbooks chosen represent convenience samples of commonly used middle and secondary science textbooks. Vocabulary emphasis in science textbooks remains high, and may present a problem for struggling readers and English language learners (ELL). Some vocabulary loads were found to approach or even exceed recommended limits for vocabulary instruction in modern foreign language courses. Also, science vocabulary can present an additional challenge for native English speakers and ELLs since many terms have no common colloquial English or native language equivalents. Recommendations for how to promote effective science vocabulary development are provided. Overall, over three decades there has been little change in heavy emphasis on vocabulary in middle and secondary science textbooks.     

Taiwanese Gifted Students' Views of Nature of Science

This study examined the conceptions of nature of science (NOS) possessed by a group of gifted seventh‐grade students from Taiwan. The students were engaged in a 1‐week science camp with emphasis on scientific inquiry and NOS. A Chinese version of a NOS questionnaire was developed, specifically addressing the context of Chinese culture, to assess students' views on the development of scientific knowledge. Pretest results indicated that the majority of participants had a basic understanding of the tentative, subjective, empirical, and socially and culturally embedded aspects of NOS. Some conflicting views and misconceptions held by the participants are discussed. There were no significant changes in students' views of NOS after instruction, possibly due to time limitations and a ceiling effect. The relationship between students' cultural values and development of NOS conceptions and the impact of NOS knowledge on students' science learning are worth further investigation.     

Science Vocabulary Load of Selected Secondary Science Textbooks

It has been argued that many students view science as a collection of facts and terms to be memorized. Robert Yager (1983) analyzed secondary level science textbooks to determine vocabulary load and found that the amount of new vocabulary terms presented in such textbooks is higher than that recommended for junior high and high school foreign language courses. Three textbooks analyzed in that study were re-evaluated, taking into account limitations expressed in the earlier study. The new study also included analysis of an earth science textbook; the first study did not. The re-analysis produced a noticeable reduction in vocabulary load estimates with only one book, Modern Chemistry, still measuring above the recommended level for foreign language courses. It is argued that the amount of vocabulary load presented is still too high and may contribute to the problem of science avoidance by secondary students.     

Teachers Describe Epistemologies of Science Instruction Through Q Methodology

Creating scientifically literate students is a common goal among educational stakeholders. An understanding of nature of science is an important component of scientific literacy in K‐12 science education. Q methodology was used to investigate the opinions of preservice and in‐service teachers on how they intend to teach or currently teach science. Q methodology is a measurement tool designed to capture personal beliefs. Participants included 40 preservice and in‐service elementary and secondary science teachers who sorted 40 self‐referential statements regarding science instruction. The results identified three epistemologies toward teaching science: A Changing World, My Beliefs, and Tried and True. Participants with the A Changing World epistemology believe evidence is reliable, scientific knowledge is generated in multiple ways, and science changes in light of new evidence. The My Beliefs epistemology reflects that scientific knowledge is subject to change due to embedded bias, science is affected by culture and religion, and evolution should not be taught in the classroom. The Tried and True epistemology views a scientific method as an exact method to prove science, believes experiments are crucial for scientific discoveries, absolute truth exists in scientific knowledge, and society and cultural factors can be eliminated from investigations. Implications for preservice teacher education programs and in‐service teacher professional development are addressed.     

The Flow Lab: A Simple Activity for Generating NOS Principles

While there is near universal agreement within the science education community that a strong understanding of nature of science (NOS) ‐ both as a student goal and a teacher attribute ‐ is critical, we still struggle with how to achieve these aims. Barriers range from pragmatic logistics to fundamental curricular tensions. In this paper, we share a classroom activity designed to aid in the learning of key NOS principles that we have found constructive. We discuss the basic activity, connections to science studies literature, and opportunities for explicit reflection on nature of science.     

Students' Attitudes Toward Science as Predictors of Gains on Student Content Knowledge: Benefits of an After‐School Program

High‐quality after‐school programs devoted to science have the potential to enhance students' science knowledge and attitudes, which may impact their decisions about pursuing science‐related careers. Because of the unique nature of these informal learning environments, an understanding of the relationships among aspects of students' content knowledge acquisition and attitudes toward science may aid in the development of effective science‐related interventions. We investigated the impact of a semester‐long after‐school intervention utilizing an inquiry‐based infectious diseases curriculum (designed for use after‐school) on 63 urban students' content knowledge and aspects of their attitudes toward science. Content knowledge increased 24.6% from pretest to posttest. Multiple regression analyses indicated suggested that the “self‐directed effort” subscale of the Simpson–Troost Attitude Questionnaire—Revised best predicted increases in students' science content knowledge. The construct “science is fun for me” served as a suppressor effect. These findings suggest that future after‐school programs focusing on aspects of attitudes toward science most closely associated with gains in content knowledge might improve students' enthusiasm and academic preparedness for additional science coursework by improving student attitudes toward their perceptions of their self‐directed effort.     

农业科技资源错配对农业科技创新全要素生产率影响的空间溢出效应

为研究农业科技资源错配与农业科技创新全要素生产率之间的空间溢出效应,利用2005-2017年所选取的25个省份的面板数据,通过动态空间杜宾模型进行实证研究.研究显示:①农业科技人力、财力资源错配与农业科技创新全要素生产率存在较强的空间相关性且分别呈现负向的区域内和区域间空间溢出效应.②农业科技财力资源错配程度每提升1%,农业科技创新全要素生产率就会下降0.264%,其中直接效应贡献0.255%,空间溢出效应贡献0.009%;农业科技人力资源错配对于农业科技创新全要素生产率的影响中间接效应起主要作用.③农业科技资源错配对于农业科技创新全要素生产率的空间效应存在显著的地区差异.     

Statistical Association: Alignment of Current U.S. High School Textbooks with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

This study examined the alignment of three selected U.S. high school textbooks series with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) regarding the treatment of statistical association. A framework grounded in the literature for inclusion and exclusion of reasoning about association topics was developed, and textbook entries were compared with the CCSSM learning expectations (LEs). Across the three series, about 77–90% of the 582 association problems addressed two numerical variables. All CCSSM LEs were covered by two of the three series. However, additional association LEs not found in the CCSSM were included in the textbooks. Implications for curriculum revision and development, and content analysis are suggested. The study challenges the notion of CCSSM‐aligned curricula.     

Conceptualizing and organizing content for teaching and learning in selected Chinese, Japanese and US mathematics textbooks: the case of fraction division

In this study, selected Chinese, Japanese and US mathematics textbooks were examined in terms of their ways of conceptualizing and organizing content for the teaching and learning of fraction division. Three Chinese mathematics textbook series, three Japanese textbook series, and four US textbook series were selected and examined to locate the content instruction of fraction division. Textbook organization of fraction division and other content topics were described. Further analyses were then conducted to specify how the content topic of fraction division was conceptualized and introduced. Specific attention was also given to the textbooks’ uses of content constructs including examples, representations, and exercise problems in order to show their approaches for the teaching and learning of fraction division. The results provide a glimpse of the metaphors of mathematics teaching and learning that have been employed in Chinese, Japanese, and US textbooks. In particular, the results from the textbook analyses demonstrate how conceptual underpinnings were developed while targeting procedures and operations. Implications of the study are then discussed.     

Examining the Types,Features, and Use of Instructional Materials in Afterschool Science

Afterschool programs have garnered much attention as promising environments for learning where children can engage in rich science activities. Yet, little is known about the kinds of instructional materials used in typical, large‐scale afterschool programs that implement science with diverse populations of children. In this study, we investigated the types, features, and use of science instructional materials at more than 150 public afterschool program sites across California. Using afterschool site survey data, we categorized the types and the range of materials used at the sites. We then collected a subsample of the instructional materials for in‐depth analysis of their support features for enabling staff and children to enact science. We also interviewed afterschool site staff to better understand how they selected and used materials. Results from our analysis of survey and interview data show that afterschool staff primarily used stand‐alone lessons and activities found on the Internet or in activity books as resources for planning and enacting science. Our analysis of the subsample of instructional materials indicate that curricular materials, while used less frequently by afterschool staff, have on average more of the support features that would help them implement high‐quality science experiences with children.     

Adults’ Perceptions of Children's Science Abilities and Interest After Participating in a Family Science Night

The goal of this research was to examine adults’ and children's perceptions of participating in a family science night event, especially in the context of parental belief about children's science abilities. Family science nights are becoming increasingly popular and are used in a wide range of settings. During family science nights, adults and students jointly engaged in a variety of science activities. Results revealed that adults, 90% of whom were parents of attending students, reported learning more about children's interests and abilities in science. Students also agreed that that the adults had learned more about their abilities and interests. Personal characteristics of adults and children, such as gender and ethnicity, were not found to have any relationship to ratings.     

Location Science Research: A Review

This document presents a broad review of facility location and location science research. The goal of this report is not to provide an exhaustive list of location science topics (an undertaking far beyond the scope of a single journal article), but rather to provide the reader with a more general review of the location science research landscape. This document starts with a short introduction to some of the more germane aspects of all location science research.     

The Science Teaching Self‐Efficacy of Prospective Elementary Education Majors Enrolled in Introductory Geology Lab Sections

This study examined prospective elementary education majors' science teaching self‐efficacy while they were enrolled in an introductory geology lab course for elementary education majors. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument Form B (STEBI‐B) was administered during the first and last lab class sessions. Additionally, students were asked an open‐ended question to describe their experience in the education majors' geology lab. The results of the STEBI‐B were analyzed using paired t‐tests to determine whether the students changed their personal science teaching efficacy (PSTE) and science teaching outcome expectancy (STOE). Results of this study indicate a significant increase in PSTE. No significant differences were found in STOE. This study suggests that science content courses designed for education majors may lead to a positive change in science teaching self‐efficacy and has implications for teacher educators in preparing science content courses for their teacher preparation program.     

The Rise and Fall of Science Education: A Content Analysis of Science in Elementary Reading Textbooks of the 19th Century

In the 19th century the textbook dominated the curriculum and methods of instruction. The most important textbook was the textbook of reading known as the reader. In the early 1800s science was not established as a separate primary grade subject. The science students encountered in these reading textbooks may have been their only formal science education. This study used content analysis to determine the type of science and the quantity of science in popular U.S. readers of the 19th century. The percent of science rose in the middle of the century and declined at the end. This decline may have been due to the desire to make the study of reading literary based. The percentage of science that was biological increased throughout the century, and the percentage of Earth science declined.     

The Effect of Nature of Science Metacognitive Prompts on Science Students’ Content and Nature of Science Knowledge,Metacognition, and Self‐Regulatory Efficacy

The purpose of the present explanatory mixed‐method design is to examine the effectiveness of a developmental intervention, Embedded Metacognitive Prompts based on Nature of Science (EMPNOS) to teach the nature of science using metacognitive prompts embedded in an inquiry unit. Eighty‐three (N = 83) eighth‐grade students from four classrooms were randomly assigned to an experimental and a comparison group. All participants were asked to respond to a number of tests (content and nature of science knowledge) and surveys (metacognition and self‐regulatory efficacy). Participants were also interviewed. It was hypothesized that the experimental group would outperform the comparison group in all measures. Partial support for the hypotheses was found. Specifically, results showed significant gains in content knowledge and nature of science knowledge of the experimental group over the comparison group. Qualitative findings revealed that students in the comparison group reported scientific thinking in similar terms as the scientific method, while the experimental group reported that scientists were creative and had to explain events using evidence, which is more closely aligned to the aspects of the nature of science. EMPNOS may have implications as a useful classroom tool in guiding students to check their thinking for alignment to the nature of science.     

商科型高校理工类研究生创新能力的培养

目前,研究生教育处于我国高等教育的最高层次,肩负着为国家发展培养高技术专业型人才的重要任务.尤其是在各国竞争愈发激烈的今天,理工类研究生更是在未来国家现代化建设、科技创新中发挥着重要作用.但是,由于近几年研究生招生规模的逐渐扩大,研究生的培养模式、培养质量等方面出现了许多亟待解决的问题.从商科型高校理工类研究生的培养现状出发,通过运用文献法和归纳法,本文对当前研究生培养过程中存在的问题进行分析,并针对学生创新能力的培养,从学校、导师和学生自身三方面给出了相应的解决措施,着重强调了数学建模在理工类研究生创新能力培养过程中所发挥的重要作用.最后,以湖南工商大学近几年在理工类研究生创新能力培养实践中所采取的主要举措以及取得的成效来进一步论证本文所提出措施的有效性.