Argues that, contrary to the common view, Galileo and the theologians of the Inquisition share the same fundamental principles of biblical interpretation. Contends that Galileo and these theologians thought that the Bible contained truths about nature, but Galileo denied what the theologians accepted as scientifically true. Contains 93 references.…

Describes a low-cost activity designed to help students visualize both the kinetic and the stoichiometric nature of chemical reactions at the particle level, by creating a flip book. Suggests ideas for evaluation of student work, and extension activities. (WRM)

Presents an organization of seemingly disparate convention and procedure statements and rules of basic electricity into conjugate relationships which can be used to reduce students' memorization loads and improve their understanding. (WRM)

Presents a collection of free-body exercises and solutions covering rotational equilibrium and rotational nonequilibrium. (WRM)

Explains the physics behind some of the apparently puzzling aspects of the motion of a person riding a snake-board (a skateboard with independently pivoted axles). (Author/WRM)

Considers what level of understanding of the nature of science students should experience to become both intelligent consumers of scientific information and effective citizens. Proposes that most precollege teachers should attempt to teach students how to use scientific descriptors to judge the relative merits of knowledge claims instead of…

Argues that Ernst Haeckel's drawings of vertebrate embryos (1891), which have been widely used in biology textbooks to illustrate his "Biogenetic Law", are factually flawed. Discusses the problems with Haeckel's drawings and his theory. Contains 14 references. (WRM)

A study of 1,176 Taiwanese 10th graders showed that they tend to perceive their learning environments as less constructivist than they preferred. Those with more constructivist than empiricist beliefs about science felt that environments did not provide sufficient opportunities for social negotiation, integration of prior knowledge, and meaningful…

Examines the knowledge that secondary school students have concerning some basic aspects related to the location of inheritance information before they are taught about genetics. Discusses the effects of traditional instruction in Spain on students' learning. (Author/CCM)

Discusses students' (n=10,058) problems with naming oxo salts following a given formula. Many students incorrectly named oxo salts as oxides, and the students' own names for the compounds were more helpful to find the correct formula than the common names. Concludes that high school students are more interested in intellectually challenging…

Explores the use of computer simulation/modeling programs for teaching a variety of science concepts. (Author/CCM)

Calculates the angular velocity of a spinning top without the simplifying assumption found in most textbooks that the total angular momentum is solely along the symmetry axis. (WRM)

Illustrates that, contrary to some assertions made in the popular press, scientific literature, and introductory textbooks, glass does not flow in historic time. Contends that glass is a rigid solid with a lower degree of molecular order than a crystal but with greater molecular order than a liquid. (Contains 27 references.) (WRM)

Demystifies the terms prediction, hypothesis, and theory, and explains these terms with examples in order to help elementary science teachers clarify the language of science. (ASK)

Addresses the use of mathematics when studying the physics of electromagnetism. Focuses on common electromagnetic concepts and their associated mathematical representation and arithmetical tools. Concludes that most students do not understand the significant aspects of physical situations and have difficulty using relationships and models specific…