Examines the principles of diffusion and how it may be confused with convection. Suggests that educators may be misleading students and clouding their understanding of the process. Provides two contemporary examples to explain the process of diffusion and how it differs from convection. (Author/CCM)

Success for All, evaluated highly in several cities, has received unfair criticism. Opposing the process for developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective programs to high-poverty schools (particularly highlighting flaws in a tiny subset of studies) merely sows doubt and misinformation about a most promising reform development. (Contains 44…

Addresses deaf pupils' conceptions of directly-observed phenomena of the earth and sky. Studies 7-, 9-, 11-, and 17-year-old deaf pupils and uses 9-year-old Norwegian pupils with normal hearing as the control group. Reports that the children's conceptions are scientifically accepted. Indicates that the shape of the sign representing an object may…

Finds that students encountering thermal physics at the introductory level often have difficulty distinguishing between heat and temperature. Argues that challenging misconceptions through experiment and discussion can quickly enable students to develop an understanding of thermal physics. (Author/CCM)

Presents a collection of curious findings from one of the first textbooks studied, a 1958 edition of a fairly popular text. Concludes that the book presents a chance for teachers to enrich their physics classes. (CCM)

School leaders should realize that consultants cannot substitute for developing collective actions within the organization. The "Consultant from Oz Syndrome" stems from placing undue confidence in external sources, confusing consultants with magicians, and denying their limitations. While journeying down the yellow brick road of…

Responds to Martyn Hammersley's allegations that the author's discussion of positivism and differentiation-polarization theory is misguided by demonstrating that he has misunderstood or misrepresented the author's position. Suggests that the enlightenment "aspect of the political arithmetic" tradition has much to recommend it as a…

Discusses the legitimacy of teaching about astrology, extrasensory perception, UFOs, touch therapy, cloning dinosaurs, or any other unusual claims in the classroom. Suggests that bringing unusual claims to the science classroom is an opportunity to motivate students in the principles of scientific thought. (SAH)

Discusses the claims of tabloids and television that the U.S. mission to the moon was faked. Recommends using samples brought back from the moon on the Lunar Sample Disk as instructional material to open a discussion. Makes suggestions for examining lunar rocks. (YDS)

Introduces a physics activity on buoyancy. Includes a list of materials and the procedure for the activity. (YDS)

Both a control group and experimental group (23 students each) received a lecture on direct current circuits; the experimental group also participated in a lab using a device explaining an analogy for electric current. The experimental group's posttest scores were much higher, indicating that the analogical device helped overcome student…

Baseball is a practical teaching tool that both educators and students can relate to. Despite popular misconceptions, baseball offers sound educational methodologies, and its concepts and practices provide a model for effective teaching. Coaches have high performance expectations, measure success against specific outcomes, allow increased practice…

Describes a computer-assisted personalized assignment system used to prepare and present conceptual, qualitative questions to large introductory science classes. Several sample questions are included and discussed. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Examines the reasoning behind views of atoms and molecules held by students (n=48) and investigates how mental models may assist or hamper further instruction in chemistry. Reports that students prefer models of atoms and molecules that depict them as discrete, concrete structures. Recommends that teachers develop student modeling skills and…

While the Department of Education boasts lower of school dropout rates, graduation rates are also decreasing in some areas. Although the percentage of students graduating on time has remained unchanged, the percentage of noncompleters who eventually get a high school diploma (through a GED or alternative program) increases yearly. Inadequate…