Data identified two essential contradictions within the development of Finnish primary and secondary pupils' natural-scientific consciousness: one between the dominant biological-biologistic conception and the emerging physical-chemical or universal conception of the laws of nature; the other between religious and natural-scientific conceptions of…

Describes the development of an instrument, for use by elementary and secondary science teachers, sensitive to alternative conceptions of particular philosophic aspects of scientific theories and which has applicability in inferring understanding of the tentative and revisionary conception of science. (DS)

Describes a compact solar camera built as a one-semester student project. This camera is used for taking pictures of the sun and moon and for direct observation of the image of the sun on a screen. (Author/HM)

Reports a study of the correlation between intellectual development and students' understanding of scientific concepts and science processes. Results are reported concerning the reliability and validity of Piagetian or Piagetian-like tasks as measures of students' level of formal reasoning. (Author/SA)

Describes a technique devised to isolate topics of high perceived difficulty in a school biology syllabus. Discusses results obtained from questioning school pupils, teachers, and university students. (Author/CS)

Discusses how, through a series of sample problems and solutions, the notion of force as momentum flow can serve as the basis for vastly expanding the importance of Newton's third law as experienced by students in elementary mechanics courses. (Author/HM)

Discusses what is meant by a linear program and states and illustrates two of the theorems upon which the methods of linear programing rest. This description is intended as an introduction to linear programing of physics students. (HM)

Discusses how Volta's concept of electromotive force seems to be forgotten. A comparison of the concepts of potential difference and electromotive force is also included. (HM)

Presents evidence to support the author's viewpoint that Einstein's General Relativity Theory is related to concepts of chemo-electricity. (CS)

Examines the usefulness and limitations of the notion of cognitive structure in science and the idea of mapping or charting it. Surveys several techniques for enumerating cognitive structure and explores possible classroom applications. (GS)

Investigated the learning by eighth-grade students of the concept of crustal evolution, asking questions that deal with how time-efficient procedures can be devised that measure concept learning effectively and whether these procedures yield valid information on the learning of a science concept. (CS)

Explains how common-sense notions correspond with fundamental ecosystem principles and can be applied towards finding solutions to environmental problems. A more holistic approach to environmental education, with emphasis upon basic principles of ecosystem ecology, is needed. (WB)

The nature of scientific investigation involves both data collection and interpretation. The liberal arts college is so structured that these skills can be developed in many students for whom a university setting would be inappropriate. (Author/MLW)

Outlines the influence of the scientific-technical revolution on the development of sociolinguistics in the world. (NCR)

Describes effects which produce the semidiurnal tidal bulges, using elementary methods, without reference to fictitious forces and without recourse to a potential. (Author/HM)