Given that hypothetico-deductive reasoning has played a role in other important scientific discoveries, asks the question whether it plays a role in all important scientific discoveries. Explores and rejects as viable alternatives possible alternative scientific methods such as Baconian induction and combinatorial analysis. Discusses the…

Argues that research and teaching in physics and in the history of physics are complementary in nature. Explores some of the implications of this perspective. Contains 69 references. (DDR)

Analyzes the problem students have in learning the Theory of Relativity. Points out that the results of the study are ambiguous and intriguing. Describes the publication of Lorentz's Transformation Equations, the presentation of two postulates by Einstein, and the rejection of the Electron Theory and the final acceptance of the Theory of…

Part One presents empirical results of students' epistemological conceptions of laws, hypotheses, theories, and models. These results are discussed in relation to research results from different recent publications. Part Two gives an outline and analysis of a two-year program for teaching epistemology in a physics course. (AIM)

Traces the evolution of physics teaching and research in Bucharest and Jassy, the two most important Romanian intellectual centers. Reports on three stages of historical development and selected biographies of Romanian scientists are included. (DDR)

Outlines and defends claims about the metaphysical nature of the theory of Democritus; the modified theories of Gassendi, Boyle, and Newton; and the chemical atomic theory of John Dalton. (DDR)

Argues that discussing theories, including their origin, development and replacement by other theories, can help students understand both the objective and subjective aspects of the scientific process. (DDR)

Argues that Albert Einstein preceded Karl Popper in formulating the fundamental premises of hypothetism. Presents the original text and ideas from an article published by Einstein in 1919. (DDR)

Provides historical information on the incorporation of physics as a subject into secondary schools in Spain. Cites religious and political tensions as early roadblocks to curriculum development. (DDR)

Describes a teaching unit on electromagnetic induction using historic texts. Uses some of Faraday's diary entries from 1831 to introduce the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction and teach about the properties of electricity, of taking conclusions from experiment, and scientific methodology. (ASK)

Describes the first moon-radar echo experiment conducted by Zoltan Bay in Hungary and comments on Bay as a model for contemporary physics education. (DDR)

Addresses two research questions pertaining to the search for students' potential alternate conceptions within the history of science and the possibility of helping students overcome these misconceptions through historical experiments. Contains 19 references. (DDR)