In this work, we present an experimental approximation to the study of the phenomenon of radioactivity in secondary schools, taking as an analogy the process of release of carbon dioxide in a carbonated beverage. In this way, we intend to facilitate the approach to the mathematical formalism and to the graphical description of this phenomenon, as…

When learning physics, students need more than just an understanding of mathematical and physical concepts. Integrating the two fields is crucial, as research indicates that students often struggle even when they have a strong grasp of both. In this paper, we use the heat equation as an example from higher education. Given the importance of the…

One way to develop a cross-curricular lesson is to select the most common mathematical formulas used in science and carefully develop and implement tasks that allow students to make connections between the mathematical representations and theoretical/physical science concepts. The slope-intercept formula, which is used to study relationships…

Studies on student learning of scientific concepts have shown that students often experience various difficulties in understanding basic physics concepts such as vector quantities, as a result of formal and informal learning. The purpose of the present study is to document Grade 11 students' difficulties in understanding vectors and their…

The equilibrium between phases is a key concept from the introductory physical chemistry curriculum. Phase diagrams display which phase is the most stable at a given temperature and pressure. If more than one phase has the lowest Gibbs energy, then those phases are in equilibrium under those conditions. An activity designed to demonstrate the…

A simple activity using cheap and readily available materials is described that allows students to experience first hand many of the concepts of measurement, uncertainty and graph drawing without laborious measuring or calculation. (Contains 9 figures.)

Problem solving in the field of quantitative composition of solutions (QCS), expressed as mass share and molar concentration, is essential for chemistry students. Since successful chemistry education is based on different mathematical contents, it is important to be proficient in both mathematical and chemistry concepts as well as interconnections…

A 3-year longitudinal study "Transforming Children's Mathematical and Scientific Development" integrates, through data modelling, a pedagogical approach focused on mathematical patterns and structural relationships with learning in science. As part of this study, a purposive sample of 21 highly able Grade 1 students was engaged in an…

This study investigates how students understand and apply the area under the curve concept and the integral-area relation in solving introductory physics problems. We interviewed 20 students in the first semester and 15 students from the same cohort in the second semester of a calculus-based physics course sequence on several problems involving…

This paper integrates technology, in the form of a physics simulation; science concepts, via image formation by lenses; and a mathematics apparatus, in the form of rational functions. All constituents merge into an instructional unit that can be embedded into a high school or undergraduate mathematics or physics course. The cognitive purpose of…

Each year, well over a million students take college algebra and related courses. Very few of these students take the courses to prepare for calculus, but rather because they are required by other disciplines or to fulfill Gen Ed requirements. The present article discusses what the current mathematical needs are in most of those disciplines,…

Describes the construction of a marshmallow catapult to investigate trajectory concepts. (MKR)

Suggests an alternate way to determine the fractal dimension of bread by means of a dimensionally correct graphical analysis. (WRM)

Differing treatments of graphs in mathematics and science are discussed. A teaching sequence to develop contrasts between real and ideal data is suggested. (MP)

Uses the process of normalization in the Cartesian coordinate system which entails radial projection onto a transect to compare different compositions of minerals. Warns that the ternary diagram should not be used as a framework for calculations. (MVL)