Expertise

Her scholarship focuses on early childhood and elementary teachers' conceptions of the nature of science (NOS), as well as their teaching practice. Her research also focuses on early childhood and elementary students' conceptions of nature of science.

Past Affiliations

Managing Editor, Science and Mathematics, Oregon State University (past)
1996 - 1997

Associate Professor, Science Education

Assistant Professor, Science Education, Washington State University Pullman, Washington State University (past)

Associate Dean, Science Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education, Indiana University Bloomington

Communities
Education
Degrees
PhD, Oregon State University, Science Education, 1997
EdM, Washington State University, Elementary Education, 1993
BA, University of California, Berkeley, Psychology, 1981
Keywords
science education learning motivation teacher attitude educational improvement elementary education
Honors

Valarie Akerson (Faculty Teaching Award), University Trustees (Indiana University Bloomington), 2003-2004

Valarie Akerson (Faculty Teaching Award), University Trustees (Indiana University Bloomington), 2002-2003

Associations
American Chemical Society
American Educational Research Association
Association for the Education of Teachers in Science
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc.
National Association for Research in Science Teaching
National Science Teachers Association
School Science and Mathematics Association