Conducted classroom observations to determine students' understanding of the nature of science and the intentionality of experiments. Topics discussed include: does science seek to explain, using models, proving that the theoretical explanation is correct, and discussions of different interpretations. Concludes that most students in the 14-16 age…

Describes an experiment that uses the Tain Electronics TCS2 interface to investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Discusses the following topics: assembling the system, forces in the system, software, and data analysis. (JRH)

Uses a problem-solving task to compare the performance of school students, university students, and research scientists on a laboratory-based science investigation. Reports limitations in the work of the school students and provides insights into the development and nature of expertise in investigation skills. Presents recommendations for…

Describes science experiments with the enzyme lactose, which is available commercially as Lactaid and Dairy Ease. Experiments show how the rate of reaction of lactose converted to glucose and galactose is influenced by temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. (PR)

Presents the work of Newton in thermometry and argues that it is a quite distinguished work in this area and exemplifies Newton's brilliance as an experimenter. (PR)

Describes the rebuilding of a Project Physics fan cart on a PASCO dynamics cart chassis for achieving greatly reduced frictional forces. Suggests four experiments for the rebuilt cart: (1) acceleration on a level track, (2) initial negative velocity, (3) different masses and different forces, and (4) inclines. (MVL)

Chinese "magic" mirrors are made from bronze with the front side a mirror and the reverse side a molded image. When light is reflected from the mirror,the image on the reverse side appears. Discusses reflections of conventional mirrors, possible explanations for the magic mirror phenomenon, and applications of the phenomenon to…

Discusses the rate of fall of a wooden beam or a chimney by examining the fall of a highway lamp pole when it is sheered off at its base upon impact by a vehicle. Provides the mathematical formulas to explain and an experiment to illustrate the phenomenon. (MDH)

Describes the design of the superconducting bird, a device to demonstrate the phenomenon of superconductivity. Discusses the utilization of the device as an example of a motor and compares it to the toy called the drinking bird. (MDH)

Presents an experiment to demonstrate Charles's Law of Ideal Gases by creating a constant-pressure thermometer from materials that can be found in the kitchen. Discusses the underlying mathematical relationships and a step-by-step description of the experiment. (MDH)

Discusses the essential electrical characteristics of a particular model of soldering gun. Presents four classroom demonstrations that utilize the soldering gun to test the following geometrics of wire loops as electromagnets: (1) the original tip; (2) a single circular loop; (3) a Helmholtz coil; and (4) the solenoid. (MDH)

Presents activities that utilize balloons to encourage students to explore questions related to scientific concepts. Concepts explored include light, heat, charged ions, polarization, and the sense of smell. (MDH)

Described is a LOGO computer program that enables students to investigate the relationship between a digital number and the resistance in a variable resistor used to generate that number. Likewise, actual temperature readings and the corresponding resistance within a thermistor can be used for data gathering and subsequent analysis. (JJK)

Describes the use of practice weighings and handling of fluorescent compounds to assist in teaching students safe-handling techniques. (PR)

Describes the prosecution efforts regarding a chemistry teacher when one of the teacher's students was injured in an explosion in an attempt to make gun powder. In a different section, discusses nonscientists in science laboratories and the responsibilities of competent persons. (PR)