The present paper informs about an analysis of students' conceptions about car braking distances and also presents one of the novel methods of learning: an interactive computer program Tracker that we used to analyse the process of braking of a car. The analysis of the students' conceptions about car braking distances consisted in…

The aims of this study were considered under three headings. The first was to elicit misconception that science and physics student teachers (pre-service teachers) had about the terms, "inertial mass", "gravitational mass", "gravity", "gravitational force" and "weight". The second was to understand how prior learning affected their misconceptions,…

Examines elementary science methods textbooks to determine how magnet concepts are presented. Focuses on the organization, sequence of concepts, and potential misconceptions, and includes types of investigations. Analyzed 11 elementary science methods textbooks in detail and found great variation in the magnet concepts presented, general omission…

Investigates students' changes in conception about diffused shadows during Nussbaum and Novick's suggested sequence of teaching. Reports that (a) students'"entering" ideas were unstable, (b) language and materialistic views of light influenced students' ideas, (c) students' ideas were influenced by group concepts of the nature of light,…

Explores the role played by the conceptual structure of science in scientific literacy. Examines the role of scientific models in scientific literacy. (ZWH)

Misconceptions among students studying physics have been widely reported in the research literature. Many teachers are not acquainted with this literature. Moreover, many of them claim that only weak students have misconceptions. This paper reports on an online activity focusing on misconceptions of students regarding Newton's 3rd Law, that is…

Addresses the use of mathematics when studying the physics of electromagnetism. Focuses on common electromagnetic concepts and their associated mathematical representation and arithmetical tools. Concludes that most students do not understand the significant aspects of physical situations and have difficulty using relationships and models specific…

Assesses the subject-matter competence in physics of inservice junior secondary science teachers in Hong Kong. Concludes that teachers lack subject-area knowledge. Discusses general implications for educational improvement. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Analyzes the cognitive processes and kinds of knowledge needed to work in a scientific domain like physics. Discusses the processes needed to interpret scientific concepts, uses of quantitative and qualitative descriptions, hierarchical ways of organizing scientific knowledge, and processes facilitating problem solving. Describes the use of these…

Presents the application of decision-theoretic technique to a computer-based tutoring system for elementary mechanics. Uses sound probabilistic reasoning and a student model to identify learners' misconceptions. Focuses on the integration of Bayesian belief networks, item response theory, decision analysis, and database management systems in…

Discusses the results of a four-year study of the conceptions of energy held by science teachers in training. Concludes that the group held a number of different alternative conceptual frameworks. Contains 20 references. (DDR)