Three studies investigated the analogical reasoning of 127 children in a physics task using an analogy generated by the children. Found that 9- to 10-year olds showed spontaneous transfer in both negative and positive analogy training conditions, while 7-year olds showed no transfer in the positive analogy condition but transferred only selected…

Discusses assessment strategies in higher education. Emphasizes the ability of assessments to stimulate thinking and help students construct meaning of the scientific principles they have been taught. Highlights the role of assessment in providing feedback that can be used to improve instruction and enhance student learning. (JRH)

Describes the development of a coding scheme that represents students' ideas and its application to the analysis of interviews with urban students (n=8). Results indicate that decomposition is a linchpin concept for building an understanding of nutrient cycling, and ideas which relate to children's natural framework theories provide a generative…

Describes a demonstration that permits the separation of different hemoglobin molecules within two to three hours. Introduces students to the powerful technique of gel electrophoresis and illustrates the molecular basis of sickle-cell anemia. (JRH)

Describes the use of simple terraria and aquaria to illustrate basic ecosystem processes and the interrelationships between them. Involves an inquiry-based format which helps students come to an intuitive understanding of how ecosystems are put together and how they function. (JRH)

Investigates whether children who visited an interactive science center were simply playing or whether they were learning as they played. Concludes that, to get the most out of a visit to a hands-on science center, children need both preparation and follow-up, concepts to work with, and explanations and consolidation afterward. (Author/JRH)

Discusses the instructional method called drawing mental models that allows teachers to examine students' mental models of science concepts and its use as a diagnostic tool for probing the depths of students' understanding. Presents guidelines for using this strategy. (JRH)

Presents the highlights of National Science & Technology Week '97 which focus on different kinds of communications and communications technologies. Describes the activity packets that are part of the celebration and include innovative, hands-on teaching activities in science, mathematics, and technology. Presents suggestions for school…

Explains the design and development of a high school science curriculum covering the properties of water as a natural phenomena. Uses principles from a curriculum design model known as backward design to promote learning. (Author/SOE)

Discusses a research project that examined the effectiveness of using fiction to help children learn science concepts. Results indicate that some fiction may impede content acquisition in science. Concludes that emphasis on using children's literature to teach science should be placed on choosing fiction presented without bias with fine, realistic…

Presents investigations, recommended for grades four through eight, in which students design and create their own tops using everyday materials. Discusses preparation, concept development, concept application, and integration with other subjects. (JRH)

Describes the construction of electric motors that can be used to teach students the basic principles underlying the direct current motor. (JRH)

Teachers and students alike report difficulties with the measurement unit called mole. This article tries to demonstrate that mole and the corresponding quantity are not exceptional. Mole lacks the context of a given amount because the unit measures the relative number of atoms compared with those present in a standard. Discusses history of…

Discusses the link between astronomical information and the ice ages. Explains the use of isotope measurement data from the sea-floor sediments, glacial ice, and water. (YP)

Demonstrates misconceptions of the meaning of temperature based on classical kinetic energy. Discusses some misconceptions about negative temperatures and the effect of compression. (YP)