Matter can be described and explained in a number of ways, using models of increasing complexity depending on the intended audience. Under the current National Curriculum for England, the kinetic theory of matter is taught to 11- and 12-year-olds in secondary schools to explain the structure of solids, liquids and gases and their behaviour when…

The author has previously argued against "early closure"--the tendency to close down children's curiosity through an over-zealous approach to issues-based education. Indoctrination might be a result but "burn-out," a potentially permanent attitude change that sets in before puberty, is more likely. This article is based on the…

Not being listened to, or having their advice mistrusted, is a daily problem for teachers and parents, as well as for doctors, scientists, technologists and other experts. It is also a serious dilemma in applied social psychology (Eiser, 1986) as well as in education where educators talk persuasively with strong evidence about not taking drugs,…