Validating the Draw-A-Science-Teacher-Test Checklist (DASTT-C): Exploring Mental Models and Teacher Beliefs

The National Science Education Standards [National Research Council (NRC), 1996] encourage science learning as an active, inquiry-based activity that children do rather than something that is done to them. Following the explicit goal of the standards to establish scientific literacy for all, students are expected to participate in hands-on and minds-on learning experiences that reflect the intellectual traditions of contemporary science. Standards-based lessons involve children in inquiryoriented investigations, help them to establish connections, encourage questions, promote problem solving, and support group discussions. In the words of the standards,

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