Attempts to show that not only can density be taught to lower ability pupils but that by doing so, there is the possibility of assisting pupils to develop their reasoning powers. Lists teaching activities that help in this process. (CW)

Describes the reasoning patterns characteristic of the abstract thinking required for higher levels of school science. Discusses control and exclusion of variables, ratio and proportion, conservation involving models, compensation and equilibrium, correlation, probability, combinatorial thinking, coordination of frames of reference, and…