This article presents an empirical study on an initial learning progression of energy, a concept of central importance to the understanding of science. Learning progressions have been suggested as one vehicle to support the systematic and successful teaching of core science concepts. Ideally, a learning progression will provide teachers with a…

Reports descriptive study concerning student understanding of isomers. Sample of 7,441 senior high school students completed tests which contained 12 questions on isomerism. Results indicate students are inclined to restrict their concept of isomerism to compounds belonging to the same class. There was no evidence students expected molecular…