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This article is framed by laboratory experiments directed from synthetic and illustrative flow charts, which promote a structured approach to the concept of pH, and their relation with the acid- base behavior and buffer solutions. To teach such concepts necessitated the development and standardization of three types of pH indicator paper as well as the use of natural substances such as red cabbage, red rose petals and the curry which are easily found in the market and present a chemical behavior that allows the consolidation of such structuring concepts. This aspect was evident in the subsequent application to a number of substances for everyday use, in several ranges of the pH scale, achieved from a collection of buffer solutions prepared in advanced by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the comments that were published (Olivares Campiño, 2014) in response to a previous article of mine on the teaching of chemical formulation in the secondary school classroom (Fernández González, 2013). It highlights the disparity between the science teaching approach in my article and the discipline-oriented approach in the comments responding to my article. The author of the response interprets the differences between the two approaches as errors when these differences actually stem from a process of didactic transposition that adapts expert knowledge to the needs of secondary school students. This paper defends the coherence of my proposal for the teaching of chemical formulation, which is based on the historical atomic model and the concept of valence. This proposal is thus a science classroom model, which can change and evolve as the student reaches higher academic levels. Without a single reference to PCK, the response to my article mainly focuses on aspects related to norms and standards as well as to the discipline itself. This paper satisfactorily addresses these criticisms and underlines that formulation is a means of learning Chemistry and should not be conceived as an end in itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with some general ideas about the formation of sciences teachers in the Latin-American context and the necessity of changes in these processes, in order to improve the teacher's preparation to assume the challenges of social development, taking into account the particular context, in order to achieve a quality scientific education for all. It also emphasizes the particularities of the Cuban case, in which the system of teachers' formation considers the initial and continued formation, the research work and scholar practice as indispensable elements. Some experiences and examples in the sciences areas are also presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes developing and maintaining a bibliographic database (bib) shared by a research group on science education (SE). The framework for this proposal includes: • A brief revision of our conclusions about the state of the art in our field reached in different seminars. • An approach to the notion of 'theory' in order to characterize a "theoretically grounded paper" in our field. • The more significant categories for classifying the papers in the field, that are inferred from the knowledge planes which structure it (Marin, 2003b). • An appraisal of the Bib proposal as a convergence mechanism useful to this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the beneficial impact that computer-generated crossword puzzles can have on engineering students. The paper delves into the pedagogical advantages that crossword puzzles offer as an educational tool, detailing its features and objectives as well as the benefits it brings to students and to the whole group. This paper shows the application of crosswords to the teaching of electromagnetism, and specifically presents the case of Ampere law. This educational tool is intended to make the learning and teaching of electromagnetism more entertaining, as this course is normally complex to teach at the university. This paper presents a literature review of the advantages that some authors have observed with the use of the crossword puzzle in the classroom, and devotes a section to the management of software used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Ciencia en Acción" (the Spanish version of Science on Stage) is organised every year by CSIC, FECYT, RSEF, RSME and UNED. Every year the quality and number of projects presented increase and 2007 was the first year in which projects were accepted from all Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries. More than 100 projects from primary and secondary schools and universities were presented to more than 15000 visitors over two days. Participants from of all the Spanish regions, Portugal, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador and Uruguay showed their proposals distributed into 14 categories (Physics Demonstrations, Chemistry Demonstrations, Mathematics Lab, Biology and Geology Lab, Science and Technology Projects, Didactic Materials on paper and on digital support, Outreach Works on paper and on other supports, Sustainability, Values of Science and Engineering, Performances and Science Films). During the festival we enjoyed the final event of the Spanish contest "Adopta una Estrella" related to the international "Catch a Star". The project involved groups of secondary and primary school students and teachers each preparing a report about an astronomical object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the importance of the active role of the student in the classroom, when they are learning with analogies in chemistry education, is justified. In this context, the value of the monitoring paper of the teacher in the teaching with analogies is also analysed. Finally, in order to facilitate the analogical thinking of the students, several options and examples of learning tasks with analogies are pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of an educational project aimed at promoting the development of critical thinking and promote interest in experimental sciences in High Schools and College students is presented. In this paper, we made a compilation of several activities, which ways of integrating information technology and communication (ICT) in various experiments of science, which together can be used to implement a low cost "classroom-laboratory". With ICT we refer to the convergence of computers, software, audiovisual systems, Internet, telephone, and other equipment that integrates with some of these devices. To this end, several projects were developed, that can be transferred to high schools and colleges settings, with limited financial resources, as is frequent in Latin America. The projects highlight the methodological aspects of science and seek to integrate areas such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, art, etc. They aim to answer the questions: how do we know this?, why do we believe in that? These questions illustrate the nature of scientific thought. With the advent of programs such as "One Laptop per Child" that are being implemented in several Latin American countries, it is appropriate to use these resources as a basis to generate low cost laboratories. This contribution may be a useful tool to improve the quality of science learning and to encourage vocations in science and engineering. Furthermore, the development of a critical thinking, along with acquisition of skills in the use of ICT, can be essential in many academic and professional fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes how textbooks introduce infectious diseases and if the activities promote the development of scientific competencies in this topic. Eight textbooks widely used in 9th grade (14-15 years old) Biology and Geology teaching are analysed. The results show that the textbooks make reference to numerous diseases, although they do not focus on individual and relevant cases in our context. The models of infection are not connected with specific diseases. Activities requiring the memorization of concepts are more frequent than the application ones, being the scientific explanation of phenomena the main competency addressed in the last ones. One implication is the need to enhance tasks addressing socio-scientific controversies to promote critical thinking and the development of scientific practices by students in this science topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the work developed by the authors in the course of their professional experience as teachers and teacher trainers in the scientific areas. In particular, it discusses in detail the training of teachers in the Italian educational system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of natural sciences in the second year of Secondary Education must be complemented with a visit to the laboratory, where experiments should be performed. The curriculum emphasizes the initial basis of Chemistry and the study of reactions. In this paper we describe a laboratory experience, useful for understanding the concept of chemical change. Also, we present the hypothesis that a chemical reaction was used in the classic movie The Ten Commandments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contents of this paper address the following issue: What are we teaching with textbooks in Compulsory Secondary Education? First of all, we reviewed the works that have been published in Spain about these materials and, despite their importance in our educational system, we have not found many studies dealing with those textbooks published during LOE Reform. We focus on some essential elements in these methodological resources: the structure of lessons and their types of contents selected (concepts, procedures and attitudes) through the analysis of learning activities submitted by six textbook publishers known, on the Technology block "Electricity and electronics" 3° ESO, and its suitability or not to current regulations in CARM. The results show some of the shortages and deficiencies these textbooks have, and that, in general, they never comply with the official curriculum guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to analyse the role that is currently played and could be played by the audiovisual media in making society aware of the problems humanity faces and preparing people to participate in the process of taking the necessary measures. More specifically, the paper focuses on documentaries, which receive widespread coverage on television, are sold at newsagents, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experience describes the use of computer assisted laboratory in the classroom of Physics and Chemistry of Secondary and High Schools, with the aim of discussing the truth or falsity of the hypotheses by the students in three specific events: the heating a liquid, the motion of an object on an inclined plane and the vibration of an object attached to a spring. The paper uses the computer assisted laboratory as part of the teaching-learning process that can help change some erroneous preconceptions very common and persistent students studying those subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teacher training for effective implementation of teaching of the nature of science (NOS) is a key issue in the current science education. In this paper, we expose the main components of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) for NOS, as knowledge base that a professor of science has to get in their professional development. We propose an integrative PCK-NOS model, several contexts to display the NOS in the classroom, and the use of an explicit & reflective approach. The science teachers training must pay attention to the pointed aspects, and the science education should investigate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulative activities are a popular learning tool that promotes the effectiveness on scientific and technological education. Aiming to promote its widespread use in all possible areas, in 2003 it was established the educational network "Hands-on Science" (HSci) in the frame of the Socrates program of the European Commission. It enrolled initially twenty-eight institutions from ten European countries (BE, CY, DE, ES, MO, MT, PT, RO, SL, UK) and a multinational consortium (CoLoS). Once finished the three-year project the network was established as an international association with the same purposes and philosophy. In an open and open-minded and participated way we approach and involve teachers, schools and educational boards, presenting, discussing and implementing well-established practices of the learning of Science and Technology. Its objective is to promote the development and use of manipulative activities in formal and informal learning, so that students "do" science rather than simply being "exposed" to it, while in the same time increasing society' scientific literacy. In this paper we will briefly present the main objectives, pedagogical strategies and proposals of the network as well as the outstanding achievements so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an educational experience with students of Secondary Education, which used the recording, edition and diffusion of digital-video Physics and Chemistry laboratory experiences, as a tool of the process of teaching and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce an professional learning environment based in viewing the chapter "Vector" of Numb3rs. We introduce the meaning of environment of professional learning as a theoretical framework for the instructional actions of the project titled EarlyStatistics: improving statistics instruction in European elementary and middle schools though online professional development''. (Action 1: COMENIUS Project 226573-CP-1-2005). We, also, include the didactical analysis of the activities that students should do before, during and after viewing the chapter, and the proposals of its contrast as teachers' professional tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of the Science for the contemporary world subject in high school is a important change in science education. Nevertheless, the curricular presence is not enough and is necessary to clarify some important questions: what is the propose of this subject; what content should be taught; how they should be taught in the classroom; etc. In this moment, we think is necessary for teachers to know approach and activities to guide their teaching. This paper analyses the process of planning a teaching unit: "the use of energy resources". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new research experience at IES Isabel la Católica. We want our students to be interested in science. To fulfill this main objective, we have combined different scientific and linguistic strategies with science learning. Water and sustainable development have been the conductors of these activities. This has been a very interesting and interdisciplinary experience to work on. At the same time, it has been a good opportunity to improve scientific literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an analysis is carried out concerning the professional knowledge desirable for physics teachers in the use of analogies as an educational resource. Within this objective, there is discussion of certain theoretical aspects which need to be borne in mind when analogies are used in physics classes, as well as other aspects connected with the skills or expertise which as teachers we should have in these cases. All this is accordance with the conclusions which derive from educational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Edgar Morin's framework of Complex Thinking the paper explores a perspective of Science Education which goes beyond the traditional disciplinary approach. This argument is illustrated with examples of dialogic relationships of Science and Fine Arts and clues are put forward of how to explore such dialogic relationships in an educational context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an activity related to cell organization is proposed. We also present a review and characterize some students' alternative conceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we analyze the conceptual and procedural difficulties of students of EGB 3 (average age 14 years), related with the floating of bodies. This is an exploratory study which is supplemented with an inquiry made to teachers of the same educational level, in which we proved that many of the problems detected in the students are also shown by the teachers. Besides, we examined the texts used by teachers and students, finding some coincidences with the inconveniences found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]