Children's ideas about radiation and radioactivity are reviewed and several common areas of misunderstanding are identified. An approach to teaching the topic at the secondary school level which seeks to specifically address known difficulties is outlined. (CW)

Discusses pupil misconceptions concerning forces. Summarizes some of Assessment of Performance Unit's findings on meaning of (1) force, (2) force and motion in one dimension and two dimensions, and (3) Newton's second law. (YP)

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)

Illustrated is the confusion over centrifugal force in sample problems, diagrams, formulas, and examples. Some recommendations to remedy the situation are suggested. (YP)

Describes a common misconception in the study of mechanics. Cites textbooks as being in error for equating velocity components along the string because the string does not remain taut. Discusses the typical textbook approach to a problem of this nature and the misconception that pervades textbooks in the British Isles. (CW)