Because of its abstract nature, Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity is rarely present in school physics curricula. Although the educational community has started to investigate ways of bringing general relativity to classrooms, field-tested educational material is rare. Employing the model of educational reconstruction, we present a…

This study examined how using two different ways of displaying the solar system--a true-to-scale mode vs. an orrery mode--affected students' knowledge of astronomical concepts. Solar system displays were presented in a software application on a handheld tablet computer. In the true-to-scale mode, users navigated a simulated three-dimensional solar…

Many researchers claim that children from a very young age form intuitive conceptions of probability, which may be adapted through properly designed learning activities. In addition, the random number generators as well as the dynamic interactive representations offered by digital technologies, open up new possibilities in learning probability…

This paper is a response to "Challenges and Opportunities: Using a science-based video game in secondary school settings" by Rachel Muehrer, Jennifer Jenson, Jeremy Friedberg, and Nicole Husain. The article highlights two critical areas that I argue require more research in the studies of video games in education. The first area focuses on the…

Advances in digital video technology create opportunities for more detailed qualitative analyses of actual teaching practice in science and other subject areas. User-friendly digital cameras and highly developed, flexible video-analysis software programs have made the tasks of video capture, editing, transcription, and subsequent data analysis…

Describes using computer-based interviews as a research technique for investigating how students think about physics. One program called Graphs and Tracks, designed for use as an instructional aid, displays motions of a ball rolling along a track. Another program called Atwood, requires students to predict effects on motion or graphs of motion.…

Provides the results of a survey of science teachers (n=635) regarding the status of computer use and professional development needs related to the use of computers in classrooms. Results indicate that 91% of the classrooms have computers. Professional development needs are categorized by groups: non/past users, novices, and users/experts. (DDR)

Poses some questions and practical answers to help teachers and students use computers effectively in science classes. Sample questions include: Does the increased use of computers in classrooms inhibit any student's progress toward scientific literacy? How do males and females respond differently to computer use in science classrooms? and How can…

Investigated the relationships of figural response items and open-ended verbal items in biology to figural and verbal mental aptitudes (n=24). Performance on the verbal items was positively related to verbal ability. Figural response scores were related positively to both figural and verbal abilities. (PR)

Describes a study of a collaborative project in which science education faculty and upper elementary school teachers investigated the potential of a project based, technology rich, environmentally oriented approach to science education in an urban school. Discusses research methods and teacher responses to the computers and/or telecommunications…

Decribes a study which compared computer assisted instruction (CAI) with a parallel paper-and-pencil module to assess the impact on students' achievement and attitudes in chemistry. Supports the contention that CAI works as well or better than more traditional methods and tends to promote positive attitudes. (RT)

Reviews emerging applications of microcomputers and hypermedia to assessment. Use consists mainly of computerized test administration of multiple-choice tests drawn from item banks. Significant advantages are possible in several areas including immediate feedback to students, formative evaluation with remediation possibilities, and monitoring…

Project INSITE is an on-going program in the use of computers and on-line searching, electronic mail, and CD-ROM technologies to facilitate the acquisition and exchange of information among science teachers, students, school districts, and the scientific and higher education communities. (Author/PR)

Included in this proceedings are: (1) letters to conferees; (2) conference chairpersons; (3) symposia listing; (4) chemical demonstrations, listing and abstracts; (5) "birds-of-a-feather" sessions, listing and abstracts (informal sessions providing an opportunities for people with similar interests to meet); (6) workshop listings; (7)…

Reports efforts to overcome barriers and help teachers use microcomputers in science instruction. Authors developed and tested an implementation model for incorporating microcomputers in school science. The biggest obstacle for teachers is a lack of time. The workshops, seminars, and practicum were successful at increasing participant…