Discusses four topics presented in the science foundation course of the Open University that exemplify current developments in particle physics, in particular, and that describe important issues about the nature of science, in general. Topics include the omega minus particle, the diversity of quarks, the heavy lepton, and the discovery of the W…

Presents experiments to measure the velocity of sound through metals and other amorphous materials. Describes the equipment used to make the measurements and the possibility of interfacing with a microcomputer. (MDH)

Fourteen elementary and middle school teachers from an inservice physics course were found to share a common core of strongly held propositions that formed a coherent, but incorrect and contradictory, model of the sequential flow of electrical current. Theoretical and practical implications of these teachers' beliefs with respect to both…

Studies of the relationship between students' propositional knowledge (as measured by concept mapping tasks) and their study strategies (as measured by self-report questionnaires) for electricity in first-year university courses are described. The effect of propositional knowledge and prior knowledge on both conceptual knowledge and study…

A workshop that provides instruction about chemistry and physics concepts and about novel hands-on ways to teach the concepts using toys is described. Sample topics by discipline and related toys and a daily workshop schedule are included. The results of formative, summative, and follow-up evaluations are presented. (KR)

Effects of animated graphics presentations on incidental learning and the degree to which various computer practice activities contain intrinsically motivating characteristics were studied with 70 fourth graders learning about Newton's laws of motion. Incidental learning occurred without sacrifice of intentional learning. Students were highly…

Results of an experiment offering single-sex and mixed-sex physics classes in a private secondary school indicated that girls in single-sex classes participated more frequently; students overall experienced greater learner satisfaction; and single-sex classes had a statistically significant, positive influence on girls' interest in physics-related…

Synthesizes existing, isolated bits of information on U.S. secondary student enrollment in advanced science courses. Among the findings for grades 10, 11, and 12, the percentage of those students enrolled in Advanced Biology is 20, 26, and 54. Advanced Chemistry is 0, 33, and 67; and Advanced Physics is 0, 10, and 90. (PR)

Interviews were conducted with grade 10 students (n=34) who had received 4 years of physics instruction. Interview's focus was to understand students' responses from their point of view. The results of the study confirm and deepen findings from other studies concerning students' severe difficulties in learning the energy concept, the particle…

Describes a course, "Great Ideas in Science," for undergraduate nonscience major students. The course emphasizes a few key overarching concepts in physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to introduce students to the essential aspects of science without getting involved in the complex vocabulary or rigorous mathematical derivations. (PR)

The forces and torques experienced by the spine are examined to understand, and possibly avoid, low back pain. The structure, degrees of freedom, forces and torques when lifting objects, an experimental study, and other factors affecting the back are discussed. (KR)

Investigates how 20 English primary teachers understand the concepts of force and gravity. Uses the interview about instances technique. Finds teachers' views of these concepts are not in accord with accepted scientific interpretations but similar to those of children's views. Discusses implications of the findings. (NL)

Based on the premise that body experiences interfere inconveniently with scientific ideas in mechanics instruction. Suggests that learning processes start with body experiences and, with guidance, transform them into something scientific. Discusses this process for the static and kinetic aspects of force and for measurement. (MDH)

The ways in which the concept of acceleration is treated in physics textbooks is compared with understandings of the concept demonstrated by final-year secondary (n=30) and first-year university students (n=60). Some students' understanding are shown to be incomplete in ways that parallel misleading or inaccurate textbook treatment of the concept.…

Presents activities in which students construct simple crystal radio sets and amplifiers out of diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Provides conceptual background, materials needed, instructions, diagrams, and classroom applications. (MDH)