Studies the conceptual changes and factors affecting eighth- grade physical science students (n=180) investigating elementary thermodynamics. Classifies three types of students regarding their learning methods: converging, progressing, and oscillating. Reports that original intuitive conceptions are difficult to change and that students engaged in…

Argues for an expanded role for the concept of emergent levels in science education. Cites confusion of levels and slippage between levels as the source of many people's misunderstandings about patterns and phenomena. Contains 35 references. (DDR)