Involves students in a study designed to examine the interaction between children's observations of light and shadows and their developing theories in the context of a series of lessons in a third-grade classroom. Results suggest that student's observation of light led to the development of a limited theory about light that was largely useful in…

Presents the Vector Knowledge Test that was designed to see if beginning physics students possess the minimal basic knowledge of vectors that will allow them to proceed with a study of Newtonian mechanics. Concludes that only one-third of the students in a calculus-based introductory course at California Polytechnic had sufficient vector…

Presents a three-dimensional analysis of the relative speed before and after a two-body elastic collision, based on the concept of a Galilean invariant. (JRH)

Features science concepts with accompanying activities teachers can use in the classroom. Presents a lesson in optics that utilizes optical illusions to illustrate scientific points and allows students to use the following processes: observing, communicating, controlling variables, hypothesizing, and gathering and interpreting data. (ET)

Explores the differences between the theoretical positions of Vygotsky and Piaget and summarizes recent work that extends and applies a Vygotskian sociocultural perspective to educational issues. Discusses implications of this perspective for research and practice. Contains 52 references. (Author/JRH)

Presents a model for the Slinky that allows for calculations that agree with observed behavior and predictions that suggest further experimentation. Offers an opportunity for introducing nonrigid bodies within the Galilean framework. (JRH)

Evaluates the Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) technique that is used for identifying students' knowledge and understanding of science concepts. Reports that the children responded to the technique enthusiastically and the teachers were able to identify both their understanding and their process skills development. Concludes that the POE is a…

Presents the Active Mental Processing (AMP) journal as part of a language-rich teaching method that helps students learn physics concepts. Discusses practical matters such as format, grading, time, and assumptions. (JRH)

Study of strategies and procedures of 170 students and 40 teachers when solving chemical equilibrium problems found misconceptions emerging through: misapplication of Le Chatelier's Principle, use of rote-learning recall, incorrect control of variables, limited use of chemical equilibrium law, lack of mastery of chemical equilibrium principles,…

Presents an example involving the metabolism of carbohydrates by microorganisms that provides results that contradict the generally speculated outcome, which is not an unusual situation in many scientific investigations. (JRH)

Describes a project that introduces students to the field of biotechnology and provides them with an understanding of the basic principles and techniques as well as an opportunity to participate in experimental methodology. Presents specific science projects that deal with polymorphism in the lipase gene and the genetic engineering of a lipase…

Analyzes the ideas used by (n=54) 13-year-old pupils to explain the properties of substances and their changes. Reports that a significant number of pupils use explanations that have been categorized as "substantialization of properties." Justifies this categorization on the basis of a study of the history of science. Contains 34…

Presents experiments that avoid using mercury by using pressure transducers to investigate the gas laws. (Author/JRH)

Offers a strategy for eliminating or at least diminishing students' preconceptions and misconceptions using two inseparable components: a pretest to identify the students' preconceptions and a technique of teaching by comparison between right and wrong responses to remove the preconceptions. (MVL)

Provides instructions for the construction and launch of a two-liter plastic soda-bottle rocket and presents the author's theory of their motion during launch. Modeled predictions are compared with actual experimental data. Explains theory behind the motion of a water rocket during launch. (LZ)