The authors suggest that the aura of authority traditionally placed on educational research and evaluation has been based on an outdated understanding of the scientific enterprise. They outline an alternative view of science which is more ecological and provides more scope and power for evaluating educational programs. They propose a new framework…

Discusses applications of Ausubelian learning theory to the teaching of biology. The use of concept maps and Gowin's Epistemological V are described. Scoring methods and evaluation techniques are also discussed. (CS)

Discusses some properties of liquid crystals. The discovery of liquid crystals and their molecule structure are also discussed. (HM)

Relates biographical information about Einstein's life and work at Princeton. Mentions his work in relativity theory, quantum physics, and his friendship with Niels Bohr. (MA)

Describes how ancient Greek philosophers came to the concept of atoms at a time when the huge amount of experimental and theoretical information of today was not available. Concludes that similar experiences can be used in teaching the concept today. (JRH)

Presents ideas for motivating students to create an informative and interesting physics project while becoming actively involved in learning the associated physics concepts. Discusses the use of physics projects as an alternative to lecture and traditional tests, using creativity and original ideas, and benefits to the school and the community.…

Examines student teachers' understanding of the concept of force using a two-part written questionnaire. Findings indicate that there is a serious discrepancy between student teachers' understanding of force and the accepted scientific view. Contains 20 references. (JRH)

Presents a simulation that helps students understand the concepts of equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle. (JRH)

Presents an activity in which students learn about the changes in the state of matter by making taffy the old-fashioned way. (JRH)

Describes the main features, rationale, and goals of the Science, Math, and Social Studies Help (SMASSH) project which provides unified, mutually supportive educational experiences for elementary school children. Describes the learning cycle instructional approach, presents a brief background of the science concepts addressed in these lessons, and…

Analyzes conceptions of energy of physics students' in a pre-service teacher training program. Findings indicate that the students are considerably anthropocentric in their associations, their choice of pictures, and their alternative conceptions and hold a number of different, alternative conceptions when describing physical situations. Contains…

Describes experiments that illustrate a number of general principles such as pattern identification, displacement chromatography, and salting-out adsorption, plus an experiment that demonstrates that identification by chromatography alone is impossible. Illustrates that chromatography is still possible with quite simple means, notwithstanding the…

Presents teaching strategies that illustrate the linking together of numerous chemical concepts involving the activity of metals (quantitative analysis, corrosion, and electrolysis) through the use of deep-level processing strategies. Concludes that making explicit links in the process of teaching chemistry can lead effectively to meaningful…

Explores how different media of instruction affect the learning of chemistry in a Malawian school. Reports that teachers and pupils needed time to get used to the new language of instruction but enjoyed the new experience. However, the performance of students instructed in their vernacular language did not improve as much as expected. Contains 11…

Presents an activity called "The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, Founder Effect, and Evolution" to allow students to learn about evolution in an engaging, constructivist manner. The activity also uses the tools of mathematics to learn several related biology concepts. (Author/SOE)