2021 research activities
Overview
The Department is composed of groups working in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, life sciences, and science and technology for junior-high school. In all these areas there are extensive research and development projects, aimed at (1) studying science and mathematics learning and teaching and their development, (2) producing and implementing improved and up-to-date learning and teaching materials that integrate the use of modern technologies, and (3) providing professional development for teachers, all over Israel. Work is based on an underlying philosophy that considers curriculum development and implementation, teacher professional development, research and evaluation as an interrelated and continuous long-term activity. Research studies focus on cognitive, socio-cultural and affective aspects of learning, teaching and learning to teach science and mathematics, using various research methodologies: quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.
The department operates four national centers for science teachers (physics, chemistry, biology and science and technology in junior high school) specializing in; the development of leadership among science teachers and in continuous professional development for science teachers using effective models. Another avenue promoted by the department for professional development of science teachers is carried out through the Rothschild-Weizmann Program for Excellence in Science Teaching, which provides science teachers unique opportunities to expand and update their knowledge in science and in science education. In addition, the department runs numerous Professional Learning Communities of science teachers all over Israel. Projects in the department are funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), the German Israeli Foundation (GIF), the Trump Foundation and the Israeli Ministry of Education through the Amos de-Shalit Israeli Center for Science Teaching (MALAM). In addition, the department is involved in several EU projects aiming at enhancing science education both in the formal as well as in the informal level.
ScientistsShow details
-
Prof. Abraham Arcavi
Research on cognitive characteristics of non academically oriented math students.Collaboration with: Dr. Ronnie KarsentyDesign of curriculum materials as a research based activityCollaboration with: Dr. Sue MagidsonLong-term design of a new curriculum for grades 10, 11 and 12 for non-academically oriented students.Collaboration with: Dr. Nurit Hadas
-
Prof. Michal Armoni
Teaching the foundations of computer science to young studentsTheoretical foundations of computer scienceBasic concepts in algorithm and program designFundamental ideas in computer science: Identifying the core ideas of the discipline, examining their teaching and learning processesReductive thinking: Reduction as a tool for problem solvingNondeterminism: a tool for abstractionReversingAbstraction
Homepage
-
Prof. Mordechai Ben-Ari
Teaching and learning computer scienceCollaboration with: Francesco Mondada, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de LausanneEducational roboticsMatriculation examinations in mathematics
Homepage
-
Prof. Ruhama Even
mathematics educationThe relevance of academic mathematics studies to expertise in secondary school mathematics teaching.Using assessment to inform instructional decisions.Examining opportunities for learning mathematics offered by mathematics textbooks.Investigating the interactions among curricula, teachers, and classrooms.Mathematical literacy
Homepage
-
Prof. Bat Sheva Eylon
High school curriculum developmentTranslation and adaptation of selected units from the course "Visual Quantum Mechanics" developed by the Physics Education Research Group in Kansas State University.Preparing texts and materials for elective units for physics majors (lasers, chaos). Using computerized networks (internet and intranet) for distance learning of these courses.Development of modules for student activities in Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Optics.Development of modules for inquiry learning in the context of "mini-projects".Development of a new course on Light and Waves for 10th and 12th grades.Development of physics programs for the Arab population.Elaboration of the national physics syllabus and the matriculation examinations.Preparation of materials for e-learning in mechanics and electricity that can be used in various models that integrate in-class and distance learning of physics.Research, evaluation and planningCollaboration with: U. GanielResearch of problem-solving processes in high school physics.Study of concept learning and misconceptions in high school physics.Study of processes involved in integration of technology in physics learning.Formative and summative evaluation of new courses.Research and development of various strategies for integration of microcomputers in physics learning processes.Investigation of learning processes and teaching methods in teacher training programs.Study of long-term professional development of teachers and leader-teachers.Application of microcomputers in physics teachingCollaboration with: U. GanielDevelopment of open environments for promoting physics reasoning and inquiry learning.Developing custom made programs for specific learning activities within the physics curriculum.Teacher development: National center for physics teachersCollaboration with: E. Bagno, U. GanielIn-service teacher training courses.In-school projects for promoting the teaching of physics through the use of computers.Long-term didactical courses introducing teachers to current research in physics education and its implications to the learning/teaching process.Long-term frameworks for leader teachers: Three-year courses for basic training and forums for acting teacher-leaders.Resource materials and frameworks for teacher development.An annotated database of selected internet resources relevant to high school physics in Israel (in Hebrew).One-day national conference and workshops for physics teachers in Israel.A prize for outstanding teachers or teams of teachers (together with the physics department and the Amos de-Shalit fund).Preparation of learning materials for 7-9 gradeIntroduction to Science and Technology.Vacuum and particles: The particulate model of matter.About FibersInteractions, Forces and MotionScientific and Technological Communication.Projects as Tools for Learning.The Materials' Cycle in Earth's Crust.The World of Water.Computerized MaterialsComputerized courses and resources for the teaching the topics of "Energy - a Multidisciplinary View", "Nutrition and Health", "Nature as a Model for Imitation - The Bionic Man".Computer simulations for studying units dealing with "Systems".A Computerized environment for analyzing videotapes of motion.Computer programs accompanying the study of Earth-Sciences in grades 7-9.Computer program accompanying the study of the "cell" as a longitudinal strand (with the Center of Educational Technology)."The Golden Way" - A Navigational Tool for Project Based Learning in Science and Technology (with the Association for the Advancement of Science Education in the Upper Galillee).In-service courses in science and technology for junior-high school teachersCollaboration with: Z. Scherz, I. Hopfeld, N. Orion, O. Kedem, Y. Ben-HurDesign and implementation of 3-year courses for teachers.Preparation of leading science and technology educators.Conducting regional long term activities in several regional teacher centers.Conducting in-service teacher courses for the Arabic population.A National Teacher Center for Juniour High School Teachers (in collaboration with Tel Aviv University).Research and EvaluationCollaboration with: Z. Scherz, N. Orion, S. Rosenfeld, U. GanielResearch on teacher and teacher-leader development in science and technology.Investigation of various instructional strategies for understanding central concepts in the science and technology syllabus for junior-high school, and development of learning and thinking skills.Investigation of project based learning (PBL) focusing on learning styles and the integrated development of concepts and skills.Investigation of longitudinal development of conceptual frameworks and learning capabilities.Investigation of learning through the course "systematic inventive thinking".
Homepage
-
Prof. David Fortus
The Role of Hormones in Shaping Adolescents' Motivation to Engage with ScienceCollaboration with: Yoni Yeshayahu, Head of Pediatrics and Juvenile Endocrinology, Samson Assuta HospitalHormonesParents & PeersScience Teaching PracticesCurriculumAssessmentSchool Culture & PhilosophyPolicy ImplementationSystems, Transfer & Fields - A Novel Approach to Energy InstructionCollaboration with: Joe Krajcik - Michigan State University Knut Neumann - Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Germany Jeff Nordine - Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Germanyenergycurriculumassessmentpreparation for future learning (PFL)NGSSself-efficacyCoronavirus Driven Study - Supporting Student Motivation in Hybrid Learning EnvironmentsMotivationSelf-efficacyPedagogical Practices
Homepage
-
Prof. Avi Hofstein
Research and evaluationCollaboration with: R. MamlokFormative and summative of curriculum units that are developed by the chemistry group and the science for all studentsTeachers' and students' perceptions and attitudes towards science and technology.Non science oriented students' conception of key ideas and concept in chemistryThe development of modules for non-science oriented studentsAnalysis of learning difficulties and misconception in chemistry in the Israeli BagrutDevelopment of argumentation skills in inquiry laboratoriesMisconception regarding bonding and structure of moleculesAssessment of students' perception of the chemistry classroom and laboratory learning environmentHigh school chemistry curriculum development and implementationCollaboration with: Rachel mamlok-Naaman,The development and implementation of text books and teachers' guidePreparation of resources and units for the teaching of Industrial chemistry in Israel.Development of new instructional techniques to teach chemistry in high schools.Inquiry type experiments andThe use of internet for instruction.Development of CAI (computer Assisst Instruction)Development of introductory (basic) modules for a new syllabus in high school chemistry. (Development of modules for non-science oriented students in high schools
-
Prof. Nir Orion
Earth and environmental sciences education: research, development and implemntation from K-12.The outdoor as a learning environment
Homepage
-
Prof. Anat Yarden
Promoting the use of authentic scientific texts in secondary schoolsCollaboration with: Prof. Zohar Livnat, Bar-Ilan UniversityUsing bioinformatics tools and databases for learning biology and biotechnology in high schoolsDeveloping coherent understanding of molecular genetics and evolutionCollaboration with: Prof. Ravit Golan Duncan, Rutgers UniversityAdvancing biology teachers' professional developmentCollaboration with: Dr. Irit Sadeh, Ministry of EducationCollective reasoning around texts across disciplines towards deliberative democracyCollaboration with: Prof. Baruch Schwarz, Hebrew University; Prof. Boris Koichu, WIS; Prof. Michal Tabach, Tel-Aviv University; Dr. Einat Heyd-Metzuyanim, Technion
Homepage
-
Prof. Edit Yerushalmi
Development implementation and evaluation of a 2-year interdisciplinary program for high school chemistry and physics students onCollaboration with: A. Hofstein, S. Livne, Y. Roth, R. Blonder, A. Yarden, S. Safran, B. Eylon, B. GeigerInstructional strategies intended to develop reflective problem solving skills in high school physics studentsCollaboration with: C. Singh, E. Cohen, E. Bagno, B. EylonStudy of the effects of self-diagnosis tasks on learning from physics problem solving.Development, implementation and evaluation of web-based test preparation modules aimed at organizing students knowledge and developing awareness of common misconceptions (Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism).Development, implementation and research of long-term professional development frameworks for physics high school teachersCollaboration with: R. Safadi, E. Bagno, A. RozenWorkshops for Arab high school physics teachers intended to develop reflective problem solving skills in their students through alternative assessment activities. Workshop approach: Collaborative inquiry into students' self diagnostic activities.Models for collaborative action research workshops for high school physics teachers.Long-term didactical courses introducing pre-service teachers to current research in physics education and its implications to the learning/teaching process.University physics faculty perceptions of learning and teaching problem solving.Collaboration with: C. Henderson, K. Heller, P. Heller, V. Quo, E. Cohen
Homepage