Because density is unobservable and must be inferred from knowledge about weight and size, it is a difficult concept to teach and learn. Even after traditional instruction, many students still have an undifferentiated concept that mixes characteristics of both weight and density. In this study, researchers tested the effectiveness of a unit they…

The current reform of general secondary education and vocational training in the USSR is aimed at further improving quality and meeting social demands. This document is an addendum to "Science and Mathematics Education in the General Secondary School in the Soviet Union," published in July 1986. It discusses some of the new reform…

Energy is a vital topic. Energy costs have risen dramatically during the last decade and home owners are concerned about their energy bills and the costs associated with heating or cooling their homes. An understanding of energy, its sources and ways to reduce its use or improve the efficiency with which people use it will become more important as…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of nine published research reports related to problem solving, elementary school science, science process skills, and curriculum and instruction are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) problem-solving skills of high school chemistry students; (2) spatial puzzles and the assessment of…

The employment status of 1984-1985 degree recipients in physics and astronomy was surveyed. Information is presented on changes in occupational status of physics and astronomy degree recipients between summer of 1984 and the following winter. The characteristics of graduates of both fields who were employed full-time or undertaking postdoctoral…

The seven working papers in this collection set out the underlying philosophy and research methods of the Learning in Science Project. The project was established in 1979 to identify, describe, and investigate problems and difficulties in the teaching and learning of forms 1-4 science, and to explore possible solutions. The papers describe the…

When the fossil fuels unit was first designed for Science 101 (the currently approved provincial guide for grade 10 science in Manitoba), Canadian support materials were very limited. Since students are asked to interpret data concerning energy consumption and sources for certain fossil fuels, the need for appropriate Canadian data became obvious.…

Presented are student papers from a science curriculum class at the Florida Institute of Technology. Topics of the papers include Outdoor Biological Instructional Strategies, Individualized Instruction, Nonmajor Science Education, Secondary School Remedial Mathematics, Advanced Placement Program, "Biology: Living Systems," public law 94-142,…

Information is presented on the composition of the 1979 membership of the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Questionnaires were administered to members of the nine independent societies of the AIP to determine demographic and employment information. Background characteristics of the membership include the following: more than half identify…

This is the teacher's edition of the Record Book for the unit "What's Up" of the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) for level III students (grade 9). The correct answers to the questions from the student text are recorded. An introductory note to the teacher explains how to use the book. Answers are included for the activities…

The study of beaches and their capacity as an interface between land, air, and water is presented. Students investigate shore phenomena to better understand the beach's history and possible future. Also discussed is the interaction between man and the beach, from weather effects to pollution. Laboratory investigations of samples collected from the…

Results of teacher ratings of test questions, performance of students, and analyses of achievement test scores indicate that the College Board Science Achievement Tests are now equally appropriate for students in both regular and special courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. (MS)

The goal for the second year of the Colorado Mexican-American Student Program was to motivate and inspire a selected number of high school students to seek a college education. Students for the program were selected according to 5 criteria: (1) Mexican American ancestry, (2) promising academic potential, (3) completion of grade 10, (4) average or…

Discusses the use of satellite data in physics classrooms. Describes the apparatus that can be used to collect and analyze data. Provides examples of how telemetry data transmitted by the satellite UoSAT-2 can be used not only in teaching physics, but also in geography, mathematics, and information technology. (TW)

Describes and compares five different uses of computers in physics education: tutorial, demonstrations, modelling toolkit, laboratory aid, and student as programer. Provides examples of computer uses and offers perspectives on developing further programs. (ML)