Examines successful/unsuccessful distinctions between novices and experts in problem solving in terms of genetic knowledge, use of production rules, strategy selection, use of critical cues, use of logic, understanding of probability, and the thinking process itself. Suggests five implications for genetics instruction and provides three problems…

Presents the mathematics of body size and surface area to volume. Examines arguments used related to the topic. Concludes that while some of the traditional arguments are valid, most are not. One analysis for an organism is provided in an appendix. (YP)

Applies the concept of entropy to aging, evolving systems, inanimate systems such as corporations, and structural complexity for classroom teaching. Presents many mathematical expressions as well as explanations. Lists 37 references. (YP)

Discusses the shock wave sweeping through traffic flow. Describes the characteristics of kinematic waves in different traffic flows. Presents the author's experiences in studying traffic flow. (YP)

Students' understanding of the concept of relative speed is described. A variety of ways of understanding relative speed and of viewing a problem that dealt with this concept were uncovered. The results are used to suggest ways for teachers to proceed in assisting students to enhance their understanding of relative speed. (PR)

Discusses the use of direct demonstration of the connections among the science process skills and the content areas of science. (MKR)

Presents activities that enable students to determine the exact time of midday and to use this to plot a north-south line. Uses shadow experiments to teach the concepts of rotation of the earth and calculation of latitude. (JRH)

Describes the experiences of five mature-age preservice elementary teachers in a semester unit of science education designed to help teachers examine and make explicit their ideas about science and science teaching. Reports that the teachers expressed a need for a supportive environment in which concepts were built gradually and introduced using…

Describes a project where students build a motorized car that can perform well in two distinctly different competitions: traveling 20 meters in the shortest time and pulling a 500-gram mass the farthest distance in 20 seconds. Enables students to apply physics principles to a real problem and to discover the importance of teamwork on large…

Describes two broad approaches to the introduction of the concept of energy in school science: the psychology-driven positions and the academic physics-driven positions. Outlines interrelationships, relative merits in certain circumstances, and the extent they might feed into each other. Presents historical evidence that they may not be as…

Describes a simple form of chromatography that illustrates several concepts of chemistry and physics and requires only inexpensive and readily available materials. (PR)

A major contributor to our understanding of the adaptation of all organisms to the physical environment is physiological ecology. Described here is an inexpensive, reliable and simple experiment to aid in helping students to understand better the acclimation process. (ZWH)

Two professors assert that it is not enough to simply tell students that all living organisms are mutually dependent. Describes an activity that allows students to become members of a food web and results in a greater understanding of and appreciation for the interdependencies of living things. Ideas for extension are provided. (ZWH)

Describes using Gooyuk--a substance made from corn starch and water--to create a wave tank with slow waves. Explains how to use the wave tank in instruction. (PR)

Describes a Principles of Technology course as an innovative approach to teaching physics that does away will the hype and stigma that frightens off many potential students. (PR)