The concept of density is discussed. Three activities in which students can determine the density of materials are suggested. (DT)

Describes classroom activities that involve student movement to demonstrate principles of kinetics. This classroom method can be used for any topic related to dynamic processes. The method used in this activity illustrates Brxnsted-Lowry acid-base theory and redox reactions. Takes advantage of analogies between proton and electron transfers. Use…

This study investigates student misconceptions in the areas of continent, ocean, permanence of ocean basins, continental drift, Earth's magnetic field, and plates and plate motions. A teaching-learning model was designed based on a constructivist approach. Results show that students held a substantial number of misconceptions. (Author/DKM)

Discusses the furnace from a chemical thermodynamics perspective. Examines the enthalpy, entropy, and free energy change for each reaction of importance. These properties are interpreted on the molecular level then used to deduce the conditions necessary for each reaction to occur in its intended direction. Chemical kinetics is also discussed.…

A scientific communication model of the emergence of a hybrid research area was tested on 74 researchers in the field of developmental dyslexia. Results show support for a model of Mulkay's model branching instead of Kuhn's model of scientific revolution; evidence points to divergence rather than convergence among the related research areas.…

Part One presents empirical results of students' epistemological conceptions of laws, hypotheses, theories, and models. These results are discussed in relation to research results from different recent publications. Part Two gives an outline and analysis of a two-year program for teaching epistemology in a physics course. (AIM)

Argues for greater emphasis in the science curriculum on the spiritual and moral contexts in which scientific ideas have been developed. (JRH)

Evaluates the use of drama to assess children's knowledge of scientific concepts. Describes a case study of 7-year-olds and the study of magnetism. By taking science concepts out of the context of practical science activities, teachers could assess student knowledge without simply seeing what was expected, and students could explore ideas and…

Discusses the history of the use of pesticides and biological control. Introduces the concept of biological control as illustrated in the use of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and highlights laboratory demonstrations of Koch's postulates. Includes an exercise that offers the student and teacher several integrated learning…

Describes the science advocate program in which a science advocate visits elementary classrooms with hands-on activities that make science exciting for students. Highlights advocate activities and benefits of the presence of the science advocate. (JRH)

Describes an inquiry-based activity involving paper airplanes that has been used as a preservice training tool for instructors of a Native American summer science camp, and as an activity for demonstrating inquiry-based methods in a secondary science methods course. Focuses on Bernoulli's principle which describes how fluids move over and around…

Presents an activity that requires middle level students to use mathematics and measurement skills to estimate the mass of an extinct dinosaur using museum-quality models. (JRH)

Presents a detailed procedure for finding an empirical formula from ion exchange chromatography and colorimetry. Introduces students to more varied techniques including volumetric manipulation, titration, ion-exchange, preparation of a calibration curve, and the use of colorimetry. (JRH)

Describes how elementary school teachers who work with bilingual students facilitate the learning of scientific concepts and skills through writing as they implement a science-based, interdisciplinary curriculum that uses a sheltered constructivist approach. (Author/NB)

Presents results of a controlled experiment comparing the conceptual mechanics learning gains as measured by the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) between two laboratory groups. One group completed cookbook labs while the other completed Interactive-Engagement (IE) labs in RealTime Physics. Suggests that laboratory activities should engage students in…