This article investigates the optics conceptions of 228 Thai high school students in grades 10-12 when they attempted to explain how an object can be seen both in general and in a completely dark room. To elicit students' conceptions precisely, their confidence in giving reasons for the final two diagnostic questions is also considered. The study…

This study aims to find out how society views vision impairment (VI) by bringing it closer to citizens through a specific strategy to encourage contact and dialogue with people with VI. A 'Human Library' was developed in which 14 people with or related to vision impairment discussed their experiences and concerns with 52 citizens without vision…

Objective: This study investigated how young urban students conceptualize health and fitness and tried to identify their sources of information about health-related issues. The findings are intended to help make suggestions for policy makers to design and develop effective health-education strategies. Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) of 20…

One day, over four centuries ago, Daniele Barbaro, a Venetian nobleman, tried an interesting experiment (Upton & Upton, 1980). He decided to use a convex lens from a farsighted man's spectacles to expand the viewing power of his camera obscura. To his delight, "the lens projected images much superior to those previously supplied by the…

After the author was named principal of Osbourn Park Senior High School almost 10 years ago, he met with his new boss, the area associate superintendent. The author asked him his opinion of Osbourn Park. His reply was direct: "This school has never really accomplished anything. People look at it as mediocre--as a school that has never reached its…

This article presents the universal design features that were identified during the alpha development of a scheduler software program, known as MySchoolDayOnline, for use in schools, and provides preliminary research on the usability of these features. The study presented here investigated the accessibility and usability of MySchoolDayOnline for…

A brief overview of the 2007 National Federation of the Blind-Jernigan Institute Youth Slam Chemistry Track, a course of study within a science camp that provided firsthand experimental experience to 200 students who are blind and low-vision, is given. For many of these students, this was their first hands-on experience with laboratory chemistry.…

A recent survey found that 67% of principals believe that school of education leadership programs are out of touch with what it takes to run a school district. Only 4% praise their graduate studies, and a majority say that mentoring and guidance from people they work with has the greatest benefit for them. In this article, the author asked three…

A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Because community schools are premised on the comprehensive nature of student learning and development, they not only offer rigorous curriculum but also provide additional services, support, and opportunities for children, youth, their…