Examples from some area tasks indicate that misconceptions about linear measurement can be carried over to area measurement; children will occasionally count points rather than length units or area units. (MP)

Investigates the effectiveness of utilizing analogies to effect conceptual change in students' alternative-probability concepts. Results indicate that analogies can be effective in producing desired conceptual change in high school students' probability concepts. (Author/CCM)

Some of the literature related to preschool mathematical experiences and their effect on the development of how the child perceives the relationships of mathematics is reviewed. (MP)

Presents an approach to quadratic functions that draws upon knowledge of linear functions by looking at the product of two linear functions. Then considers the quadratic function as the sum of three monomials. Potential advantages of each approach are discussed. (Contains 17 references.) (MDH)

This study, conducted with seventh graders, lends support to the Piagetian hypothesis that the development of formal operations is a prerequisite for the effective learning of the proportions concept. (MK)

Reviews the nature of the spiral approach in the teaching of mathematics and illustrates its use with an example of teaching place value by presenting eight different expressions of this concept. The spiral approach involves building an idea, concept or an algorithm at different times in different manners. (PR)

Students using the Science Curriculum Improvement Study curriculum were informally observed to be incapable of defining a system although they could perform related tasks. A study was performed to determine students' understanding of various aspects of systems. (SD)

Describes a study, involving 120 first grade children, which supports the hypothesis that the rate of attainment of conservation skills is significantly enhanced by experiences made possible by the first grade program of SCIS. Describes the six conservation tasks used for pre-tests and post-tests: number, liquid amount, solid amount, length,…

Reports the results of a study in which children below the age of eleven were tested on their ability to perform several tasks of class inclusion and a task relating to the conservation of weight. (JR)

Discusses the use of middle-school students' natural understanding of large numbers to introduce the concept of infinity. Presents activities that investigate infinite sets by demonstrating a one-to-one correspondence between the counting numbers and the given set. Examples include prime numbers, Fibonacci numbers, fractions, even and odd numbers,…

Outlines the rationale, resources, and techniques for teaching K-12 physical science via toys. Includes 65 references and a list of 9 mail order suppliers of scientific toys. (MDH)

Discussed is an alternative teaching strategy to uncover and assess a common misconception in the life sciences and to articulate its use in teaching a unit on angiosperm reproduction. The learning cycle is described, and a concept map on reproduction on angiosperms is included. (KR)

Reports an experimental study of 80 ninth grade biology students randomly assigned to treatment and control groups to determine whether the use of human examples in instructional strategies on Mendelian genetics increases acquisition and retention of genetics concepts. Results indicate that use of human examples in contrast to traditional examples…

Control group students (receiving descriptive, non-inquiry science) and experimental group students (using Science Curriculum Improvement Study-SCIS "Interaction and Systems" materials) were later combined in grade 4 for instruction with SCIS "Subsystems and Variables" materials. Results show similar difficulties in learning…

Raises questions regarding what students are perceiving when concrete models are used to represent abstract scientific concepts. Discussion of several exploratory investigations on the role of models in science teaching is presented in three areas: (1) interactions with students; (2) effectiveness of models; and (3) spatial ability and models.…