In this chapter, the authors discuss how the complex, systemic nature of science education
calls for new ways to conduct research and new forms of research synthesis. Research
enterprises have expanded to include partnerships composed of teachers, curriculum,
technology, learners, policymakers, and cultural advocates. This paper draws on new
research methodologies including design studies, case studies, and longitudinal studies. It
characterizes the repertoire of ideas held by learners, synthesizes promising instructional …

Observation plays a fundamental role in scientific investigation. Scientific observation
sometimes involves relatively simple activities requiring little preparation and
unsophisticated interpretation. At other times, however, scientific observation is an extremely
complex activity, indeed among the most challenging enterprises in which human beings
engage. The science education field typically portrays only that segment of scientific
observation at the simple end of this spectrum. In doing this, there is a risk that students will …