Table of Contents

Introduction
Why does understanding the nature of science matter?
What is the nature of science
What do we already know about young people's ideas about the nature of science
Investigating young people's ideas about the nature of science
Young people's ideas about the purposes of science
Young people's ideas about the nature and status of scientific knowledge
A framework for characterizing features of young people's epistemological reasoning
Young people's appreciation of the social context of science
Educational implications of young people's images of science
Index

About the Author

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Reviews

"The book is well laid out, carefully planned and argued at every stage, with excellent clear headings and summaries...This is avolume which should find its way into the resource library of every science teaching department." - Institute of Physics Journal "...essential reading for anyone serious about improving the practice of science education." - Journal of Biological Education "...an informative, thought-provoking and very important read." - School Science Review "...a significant and stimulating book. It has relevant messages for scienceteachers, teacher educators and curriculum planners. Read it - you will enjoy the experience." - New Era in Education "...it presents well researched arguments thatwe should all consider for developing a more scientifically-literate society."- Education In The North "...a goodexample of pedagogic science." - British Journal of Educational Psychology