There is a schism between the explanations offered in schools and those accepted and used by students. The content comprising school programs must be related to the real world of students if it is to be useful. Students must be partners in the educational enterprise. They must be encouraged to practice all four of Simpson's steps. Students have time to wonder and to find a particular direction that interests them.
Teachers permit, even encourage, different forms of expression and respect students' views.
Students sense that the results of their work are not predetermined or fully predictable. This section of ENC Online provides wonderful examples of how concern for mathematics and science in the real world can lead to educational reform and exemplify the visions in our current national standards. How to Engage Students in Learning. Biology and the Nature of Science. Robert E. Yager is Professor of Science Education at the University of Iowa.