In this article, a comparison of student learning outcomes is made in sophomore-level physical science classes using a "traditional" pedagogical approach versus a "modern" approach. Specifically, when students were taught the electromagnetic spectrum using diagrams and examples that incorporate technological advances and electronic devices of our…

Presents a discussion of the risks, to society, from radiation-associated technologies and urges that science teachers help the public understand the decision-making process relative to nuclear power as well as the problems and alternatives. (PEB)

Identifies specific difficulties students had with ionizing radiation and radioactivity using interviews. Explores students' pre-instruction thoughts on these topics. (Author/MM)

Demonstrating the steps of a signal transduction cascade usually involves radioactive materials and thus precludes its use in undergraduate teaching labs. Developing labs that allow the visual demonstration of these steps without the use of radioactivity is important for allowing students hands-on methods of illustrating each step of a signal…

Presents information on storage of radioactive wastes, the AAAS February meeting, an NSF publication on doctoral scientists and engineers, the Research Associateship programs of the National Research Council, the international congress on cybernetics, the effects of nuclear war on noncombatants, radioactivity in drinking water, and computer based…

Describes a laboratory activity which can be done with equipment normally available for introductory college courses. It measures the ratio of the radioactivity per unit mass of a unicellular alga to the radioactivity per unit mass of the medium in which it grows. (HM)

Describes a study in which paradoxes about seasons, hemispheres, and altitude were used to teach concepts in climatology. The misconceptions commonly held about the earth-sun distance relationship were used as an instructional strategy with an experimental group, which outgained the control group on an achievement test. (TW)

Described is a program for two-week, tuition-free courses offered twice a year dealing radiation and radioactivity. Laboratory exercises, tours, schedules, enrollment and accreditation, and staffing are discussed. (CW)