Describes a study designed to compare the gradual development of children's understanding of shadows with Piaget's stages, categorize pupil responses in the shadow tasks, identify typical pupil responses in each category, and enumerate curriculum implications from the investigation. (GS)

One area explored in the second (in-depth) phase of the Learning in Science Project was "children's science," defined as views of the world and the meanings for words that children have and bring with them to science lessons. The investigation reported focuses on the concept of "light" held by 36 students. Data were obtained…

This research assessed Australian high school students' understanding of light, developed materials to conceptual change with respect to the concept, and evaluated the effectiveness of teaching strategies utilizing the materials. After instruction, students were able to construct significantly more scientifically acceptable answers. An appendix…