The knowledge construction and scientific reasoning of two classes of seventh grade students (22 to 24 students in each class) were examined during a 3-week inquiry unit in genetics, in which anomalies were used as a catalyst for conceptual change. During the unit, students used genetics simulation software to mate fruit flies that varied on a…

This book reports on students' reactions to different situations in mathematics and science education. A theory is presented to explain and predict students' responses which is based on these observations. The identified rules of the theory of intuitive rules is explained. Chapters include: (1) "How Children and Adults Use the Intuitive Rule 'More…

This research was conducted in an eastern Tennessee 8th grade science classroom with 99 students participating. The action research project attempted to examine an adolescent science student's integration of science concepts within a project-based setting using the multiple intelligence theory. In an effort to address the national science…

This paper examines and tests the assumptions that a curriculum which adequately portrays instructional strategies (related to teaching the nature of science, science curricular content, and teachers' views of the nature of science) will increase students' understanding of the nature of science. This study was conducted over a 16-week period. A…

This book represents a "cookbook" for teachers of physics, a book of recipes for the preparation of demonstration experiments to illustrate the principles that make the subject of physics so fascinating. Illustrations and explanations of each demonstration are done in an easy-to-understand format. Each can be adapted to be used as a demonstration…

This teacher's edition of "A Manual of Experiments in Elementary Science" includes full directions and explanations regarding all manipulation, answers to all the questions in the "Student's Manual," diagrams, and additional hints and suggestions. The work covers elementary science experiment outlines adapted for use with…

Reviews theoretical and experimental fundamentals of Einstein's theory of general relativity. Indicates that recent development of the theory of the continually expanding universe may lead to revision of the space-time continuum of the finite and unbounded universe. (CC)

Describes the scientific use of a board game to train the three-dimensional observation ability and to illustrate the concept of space symmetry. Included are four methods of interpreting results in terms of crystallographic lattices. (CC)

Presents a brief biography of Sir Isaac Newton, lists contemporary scientists and scientific developments and discusses Newton's optical research and conceptual position concerning the nature of light. (JR)

Discusses problems encountered in explaining shear stress of a solid in terms of forces on a "pack of cards". Suggest the use of "pure" shear stress rather than "simple" shear stress in presentation to secure a better understanding. Included is an example illustration E occurrence of pure stress. (CC)

Suggests some improvements and additional units necessary for the International Metric System to expand its use to all measureable entities and defined quantities, especially in the measurement of time and angles. Included are tables of proposed unit systems in contrast with the presently available systems. (CC)

Describes the natural system of units as being more convenient, coherent, and conducive to communication between scientist and layman. Suggests a general discussion of whether the coming universal system should be the International System of Units. (CC)

An outline of a systems approach to teaching science to non-specialists and to giving specialists an interdisciplinary view of science. It is concerned with the nature of science in terms of the basic concepts involved and the relationships between them. (Author)

Discusses the Piagetian stages of cognitive development and their significance to the science curriculum. Refers to research that indicates that a number of concepts incorporated into the Nuffield O-level physics and chemistry curricula come too early in the courses, before many students have developed sufficiently to deal with them. (JR)