Overview

This book examines key issues concerning visualization in science education. It draws on the insights from cognitive psychology, science, and education, by experts from Australia, Israel, Slovenia, UK, and USA. Coverage unites these with the practice of science education, particularly the ever-increasing use of computer-managed modeling packages, especially in chemistry. The book first explores the significance and intellectual standing of visualization and shows how the skills of visualization have been developed practically in science education. This is followed by accounts of how the educational value of visualization has been integrated into university courses in physics, genomics, and geology. Coverage then documents experimental work on the classroom assessment of visualization. In addition, the book also summarizes some of the research and development needed if the contribution of this set of universal skills is to be fully exploited at all levels and in all science subjects.