Discusses alternative perspectives on nature of knowledge and psychological development, relating these to science instruction. Indicates that significant learning occurs if facts have personal relevance, suggesting that a cultural transmission approach to teaching/knowledge dominates science education which neglects the role of students' personal…

An interdisciplinary course at Yale University focuses on "The Bomb" as a case study in the cultural consequences of a major technological innovation. The course, relying on documentary/feature film resources, is organized historically and traces the consequences of the innovation through the perspectives of several disciplines.…

Estimated supply of secondary biology, chemistry, physics, general science, earth science, and mathematics teachers by state (including American Samoa and Puerto Rico) for 1980-1982 are provided. Data, obtained from state science supervisors, indicates surplus, slight surplus, shortage, critical shortage, or no response in each category for each…

Discusses: (1) the nature of science; (2) Ausubel's learning theory and its application to introductory science; and (3) mathematics and physics instruction. Outlines a checklist approach to Certificate of Extended Education (CSE) practical assessment in biology. (JN)

Traces the events leading to the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Discusses how the units have been represented by their standards, and investigates how the original metric system evolved into the International System of Units (SI), focusing on the meter, second, kilogram, and electrical units. (SK)

Reviews physics curricula and instructional practices and materials (films, television, computers) at the secondary and college levels. Includes discussion of physics majors and teachers, examinations and testing, and the role of the National Science Foundation (NSF). (JN)

Suggesting, from the results of an information study, that a dichotomy exists between learning physics and passing physics courses, explores the consequences of the dichotomy for standard lecture format and Personalized System of Instruction courses. Includes discussions of student responses to problem-solving approaches, textbook study, and…

Describes phase transition in solids and shows how soap films can be used to demonstrate this phenomenon. (Author/SK)

Describes a series of laboratory experiments and computer simulations of the motion of electrons in electric and magnetic fields. These experiments, which involve an inexpensive student-built electron gun, study the electron mean free path, magnetic focusing, and other aspects. (Author/HM)

Investigates the misconceptions in physics among South African students. The physics test which was administered to selected high school and college students is included. (HM)

This study, conducted in an Australian institution, investigates the intellectual requirements of the mechanics section of a first-year college physics text. Instructional and prerequisite concepts were classified in terms of the intellectual skills required to understand them. (HM)

This paper, presented at the conference on the role of the laboratory in physics education which was held in Oxford, England in July 1978, describes the problems of physics laboratory courses in Africa. Suggestions for solving these problems are also included. (HM)

Reveals the stormy relationship and ongoing controversy surrounding the scientific collaboration of Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner. Discusses the controversial 1944 Nobel Prize award to Hahn (ignoring the equal contribution of Meitner), the reaction of the scientific community, and the post-war years of both Meitner and Hahn. (MJP)

A study with nine physics students in a Quebec university found they saw themselves learning primarily outside the classroom as they solved assigned problems, saw few new concepts being introduced, and felt they had moved beyond memorization to application of concepts to problem solving. Students' perceptions were sometimes at odds with teachers'…

A preservice physics/chemistry course was created that was inspired by constructivist thinking, that emphasized metacognition, and that integrated concepts of pedagogical and scientific topics by developing a teaching/learning cycle. Denmark's educational system and the implementation of the course are described. Preliminary evaluations suggest…