Among three levels of chemical representation, the sub-microscopic level is the most difficult to learn by students. To solve the problem, it is assumed that the concept of the discontinuous nature of matter or particle concept should be mastered initially by students before they learn sub-microscopic representations of further chemical phenomena.…

The relationship between the structure and function of proteins is an important area in biochemistry. Pupils studying A-level Biology are introduced to the four levels of protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary) and how these can be used to describe the progressive folding of a chain of amino acid residues to a final,…

Certain secondary school subjects, such as geography, contain topics which are based on mathematical concepts. However, some geography teachers either fail to recognize this connection or choose to ignore it when they teach. Instead, they present the subject matter as a collection of facts, which need to be memorized and reproduced by the pupils.…

Due to its complex and microscopic nature, genetics is a difficult subject for many learners to conceptually grasp. Graphics, animation and video material can be extremely helpful to their understanding. A wealth of educational online content about genetics has been created over the past decade in the wake of the human genome being sequenced.…

Describes software that was designed in the United Kingdom to promote conceptual change in secondary school students studying mechanics. Direct Manipulation of Mechanical Microworlds, an interactive computer simulation, and VARILAB, a computer-based language for modelling systems, are explained; and two studies that will evaluate the effectiveness…

Describes 46 activities, investigations, and experiments which deal with a variety of topics in high school and college biology, chemistry, and physics. Includes photographs, diagrams, descriptions of computer software, and detailed procedures for conducting teaching activities on topics ranging from energy to water recycling. (TW)

Contains six articles on various aspects of British science education. Deals with problem solving, the common examining system and the science curriculum, a comparison of girls and physics in Australia and the United Kingdom, energy education, the use of observations in science and science teaching and science software. (TW)

In recognition that computers are becoming an integral part of science teaching, the British Department of Education asked the Royal Society of Chemistry to investigate the current use of microcomputers and microelectronics in teaching chemistry at the secondary school level. This document presents the results of that study. It includes: (1) an…