Some introductory physics courses begin where student interest is thought to be highest--in waves, sound, and light--before speed, velocity, and acceleration. For students with math difficulties, this order makes sense. But most physics courses, including the author's own, begin with a study of motion. Why? Mostly due to tradition, he admits. When…

In this article, we propose a new model of student workload. We conducted an extensive literature review of student workload, its impact on students' lives, factors influencing student workload, objective and subjective measurements. The previous conceptualizations of student workload conflate student work and course workload, two related but…

Science education efforts have long emphasized inquiry, and inquiry and scientific practices are prominent in contemporary science education reform documents (NRC 1996; NGSS Lead States 2013). However, inquiry has not become commonplace in science teaching, in part because of misunderstandings regarding what it means and entails (Demir and Abell…

Compares achievement effects and time-on-task generated for computer and non-computer versions of essentially the same game. Notes that students followed different rules for the same game and pace was faster for computer versions. Reports transfer of instruction may not be complete. (MVL)

The paper reports on the application of a computer local area network and software to develop both literacy skills and science content knowledge in 15 deaf students. The network approach allows for interaction between a large number of students and the teacher both within and outside the context of the lesson and utilizes support programs to allow…

In an effort to improve the science education program in the Washington School District (Phoenix, Arizona) the school system focused its efforts in the 1983-84 school year on the development of an activity oriented laboratory science program for grades 4-6. This document describes the plan for implementing that program. The implementation…

The Council of Chief State School Officers is in the process of assessing reforms that are aimed at improving science and mathematics education at the elementary and secondary levels. This document provides tabulations of the number of states that currently collect data on various indicators of science and mathematics education. Six categories of…