Describes the simple demonstration of precipitation reactions in large glass cylinders. The demonstration lasts an hour and is aesthetically impressive. (WRM)

Presents a relatively short, simple, safe, and visual method for student preparation of chlorine, bromine, and iodine using reactants and glassware that are easy to obtain and handle. (WRM)

Discusses the role and value of scaffolding student discussions in advancing students' ability to coconstruct theories and models from data they have collected while investigating floating and sinking. (Author/CCM)

Argues for the need for theoretical work on mental models in the field of science education. Considers relationships between both models and theories, and mental models and conceptions in order to improve the notions of "model" and "mental model" used in the literature. Contains 20 references. (Author/WRM)

Critically reviews creationist ideas on the geology of the Grand Canyon, especially those found in "Grand Canyon: Monument to Catastrophe." Contains 27 references. (WRM)

Tests for alternative conceptions of students enrolled in a second course of sciences at the Teacher Training School in Pamplona, Spain of a geological topic (silicates) that had been studied at previous educational levels. Students' concept maps showed the existence of a large number of alternative conceptions. Contains 26 references. (Author/ASK)

An open-ended, written test was administered to 364 students divided into four groups according to their scientific learning background at a teachers college. Results indicate that although the science-major students performed better than nonscience majors, their understanding of condensation and boiling concepts still needed to be enhanced.…

Examines the role that students' science concepts play in promoting teachers' professional growth. Journals and portfolios showed that students' science knowledge served as discrepant events that evoked teachers' dissatisfaction with their own content knowledge and motivated them to reconsider their pedagogical practices. (Author/CCM)

Describes some simple experiments related to the properties of crystals. Illustrates isomorphism using single crystals of alum. Presents experiments for determining how various mixture compositions affect the growth of salt crystals. (WRM)

Examines how teachers, students, and scientists construct ways of investigating and knowing science. Identifies ways that particular teaching strategies provide opportunities for student engagement. (Author/CCM)

Outlines a way for instructors to teach astronomy and the nature of scientific inquiry. Highlights a discussion with students during coverage of the Earth-Moon system. (CCM)

This paper discusses the bases of a Brazilian secondary school teacher's contradictory conceptions of the nature of science. It includes findings from a group interview based on methodology developed by J. Piaget with this teacher and four other experienced physics teachers. The interview helped clarify the teacher's views. (SLD)

Considers the process of conceptual change and describes empirical studies into children's naive theories of physics concepts. Uses the Representational Redescription model to explain how naive theories are a feature of conceptual change. Provides a starting point for considering how children's naive theories might mediate their ability to learn…

Presents scientific and technical information related amateur radio operation, commonly called "ham" radios, and radio astronomy. (PR)

Discusses the concepts delineated in the terms "induction" and "deduction" as presented in some of the scientific literature. The article endeavors to contribute to a greater awareness of terminology identification and of the tangents, plural forms, and crossings between didactic strategies that draw on "induction" or "deduction." (53 references)…