For good science teaching, it is necessary to have knowledge of your students' preconceptions. Numerous studies have been conducted about typical ideas that students bring to the science classroom in science education research. Unfortunately the domains of which we know preconceptions are not distributed evenly and there is a lack of studies about…

Describes 5 solar energy experiments that can be used in secondary school: flat-plate collector, solar thermoelectric generator, simple concentrators, solar cell, and natural storage of solar energy. (MLH)

Discusses three theories used to explain the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter: the multiphoton theory, the cascade theory, and the effective photon theory. (MLH)

Discusses textbook errors and alternative explanations concerning Planck's derivation of the distribution function for the energy density of black-body radiation. (MLH)

Proposes the use of problems of the everyday world to motivate students to master basic physical principles. Cites the example of conversion of solar energy by a photovoltaic cell as a source of topics in electricity and solid state physics. (CP)