About the Authors

Joseph Krajcik, a Professor of Science Education in the School of Education at the University of Michigan, focuses his research on re-engineering science classrooms so that students engage in solving authentic, problems through collaboration and the use of learning technologies. Professor Krajcik has authored and co-authored over 65 journal articles or chapters in books and reviews manuscripts for a number of journals. He was recently selected to be President of NARST, the National Association for Research in Science Teaching.

Charlene M. Czerniak is currently a professor at The University of Toledo. She received her Ph.D. in education from The Ohio State University. A former elementary teacher, she has authored and co-authored over 45 journal articles and reviews manuscripts for a number of journals. She has also published two chapters in books and illustrated twelve children's science education books. Professor Czerniak's areas of specialty also include professional development for elementary and middle grades teachers, science education reform, and school improvement. She was recently the President of the School Science and Mathematics Association.

Carl F. Berger is the Director of Academic Information Processes at the University of Michigan where he is also a Professor in the School of Education. He received his doctorate (Ed.D.) from the University of California, Berkeley where he was a research scientist from 1966 to 1971. A former junior high school and high school teacher, he was a member of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study author team. He has authored or co-authored over a dozen books. He was selected in 1979 as the outstanding teacher education in the state of Michigan and in 1996 received the Distinguished Contributions to Science Education through Research award from the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). His special interests are in how children learn science using technology, and in applications of technology in classrooms and program improvement.