Questionnaires were sent to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science teachers (N=100) to determine practical problems at the student/teacher/subject matter interface. Responses related to importance of content area for students and difficulty students have in learning the content are discussed. (SK)

Investigated cognitive development of eleventh-grade students (N=389) in Jordan and its relationship to comprehension of concrete and formal physics concepts. Results revealed that cognitive level (17% formal; 52% concrete) was related to comprehension of both concrete and formal concepts. Findings related to sex differences are also reported.…

Presents the fourth in a series of articles on high fidelity sound reproduction. Discusses high fidelity sound systems, including the acoustics of the listening room. (Author/SK)

Discusses dice model of exponential radionuclide decay; glancing and collinear perfectly elastic collisions; digital capacitance meter; use of top pan balance in physics; microcomputer calculation of gradient of straight line (includes complete Commodore PET computer program); Fresnel lenses; low-voltage radiant heater; Wheatssone's bridge used as…

Discusses how new developments in mathematics, informatics, physics, chemistry, biology, and related fields will impact curricula in the future. New interdisciplinary approaches to science instruction, more flexible forms of education, and improved science teacher education are needed. (AM)

Reviews "Pathways in Science" (Globe Book Company), designed as a complete middle/junior high school science program. Strengths (including sixth-grade readability) and weaknesses (indicating that limited process skill development may not challenge more capable students). Limited process skill development and the possibility for the program…

Data from probability samples of U.S. graduate faculty in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and political science are examined to determine whether variation in disciplinary consensus on research priorities and techniques is associated with differences in status-attainment patterns. Results support the hypothesis. (Author/AM)

Describes the nature and use of computer algebra and its applications to various physical sciences. Includes diagrams illustrating, among others, a computer algebra system and flow chart of operation of the Euclidean algorithm. (SK)

Presents eight examples from two elementary school science textbook series of misleading suggestions related to what students should observe during science lessons. Levels and page numbers are given for each example. Questions whether textbook authors have tried and analyzed the experiments they describe. (Author/SK)

A general model of conceptual change which is largely derived from current philosophy of science, but which can illuminate learning as well, is described. Some features of this model are illustrated by interviews with students studying special relativity in physics. Finally, some pedagogical implications are presented. (Author/PB)

Describes a four-week program to prepare Pennsylvania high school science teachers to teach a course in nuclear science. Includes program content and organization and the name/address of contact person for teachers interested in participating in the 1982 session. (SK)

Describes potential radiation hazards from surplus or donated military equipment. Examines hazards by providing descriptions of situations in which radiation hazards have been found. (DS)

Two approaches to the content of thermodynamics were used in an introductory college physics course: traditional organization and organization based on Ausubel's learning theory. The influence of these organizations on engineering student's (N=58) cognitive structure was investigated using a word association test analyzed through hierarchical…

Supporting the concept of a core syllabus, the Council of Engineering Institutions (CEI) suggests that this syllabus for A-level physics, described in the May 1980 issue of "Physics Education," occupy 65 percent to 70 percent of instructional time and that an applied physics approach with relevance to everyday life be used. (SK)

Summarizes results of a survey on teachers' views of the Nuffield A-level physics course (NAP) including, among others, course content, philosophy, examinations, organization, and individual units. Suggests that most teachers surveyed were satisfied with their NAP course. (SK)