Basic understanding of nuclear science enhances our daily-life experience in many areas, such as the environment, medicine, electric power generation, and even politics. Yet typical school curricula do not provide for experiments that explore the topic. We present a means by which educators can use the ubiquitous webcam and inexpensive sources of…

Reports on a study of the implementation of the new science curriculum in secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Findings suggest that astronomy has caught the interest of many students. Concludes that these findings justify the inclusion of astronomy in the Northern Ireland Science Curriculum. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

Presents and discusses results of a questionnaire survey of college/polytechnic students (N=213) on their perceptions of and motivation for embarking on a combined-degree physics program. Areas/topics addressed include course structures of responding colleges/students, entrance requirements, student background, reasons behind choice of first year…

Reports various misconceptions of Newton's third law obtained from interviews and written tests of high school students. Suggests putting emphasis on the third law in physics teaching. Ten references are listed. (YP)

Describes a study of General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) science students (n=50) in which each student was interviewed 3 times throughout the school year. Interviews probed student attitudes toward science and analysis of the data explored the effectiveness of the grading criteria, a portfolio-based assessment tool. Results indicate…

Deals with how secondary schools in the United Kingdom ought to be concerned not only with teaching the science of nuclear processes but also with: (1) the technologies associated with power generation from the processes, and (2) the possible social effects of such technologies. (SK)

Investigates Italian high school and college students' awareness of the risks connected with both the civilian and military uses of nuclear energy. Summarizes some findings of this analysis and concludes that the education regarding nuclear issues does not meet current needs. Provides a questionnaire on nuclear issues. (YP)

Examines the traditional language of physics textbooks and the way of looking at science and science education that underlies that language. Covers five high school textbooks ranging from 1900 to 1984. Reports little change in the style of presentation. Includes text examples, conclusions, and recommendations. (YP)