Suggests, by argument and example, that the views which children bring with them to science lessons are, to them, logical and coherent, and that these views have considerable influence on how and what children learn from their classroom experiences. (Author/SK)

Describes the procedures and techniques employed in a peer-group approach for promoting conceptual change. Explains how a series of cards were used to challenge student's conceptions of energy. Suggests that a systematic development of skills is needed to maximize the benefits of a peer group discussion approach. (ML)

Examined students' conceptions of the words "force" and "energy" using the interview-about-instances approach. Implications for science instruction and instructional strategies are discussed based on findings that many students have views of these concepts that are different from accepted scientific views. (JN)

Implications for learning and science instruction are discussed based on the interview-about-instances technique which identified five patterns of student (7-20 year olds) understandings of the concept of force. (SK)