Illustrates how a well-designed curriculum can lead students to construct an unwanted conception. Concludes that the conceptual-change-cum-discourse perspective has the potential to integrate the affordances of both methodological approaches and past empirical accomplishments. Contains 33 references. (DDR)

Provides a neurocomputational account of knowing and learning and grounds situational cognition theory in a neurocomputational model of neuronal activity. Presents the advantages of this theoretical approach. Contains 60 references. (DDR)

Describes four activities that use graphing calculators to model nuclear-decay phenomena. Students ultimately develop a notion about the radioactive waste produced by nuclear fission. These activities are in line with national educational standards and allow for the integration of science and mathematics. Contains 13 references. (Author/WRM)

Proposes a way of creating a modern scientific vocabulary in various African languages by giving scientific meaning to generally accessible words that are explanatory concepts rather than by borrowing from European languages by phonetic transcription. Describes a sample Nguni nomenclature for physics. (Author/WRM)

Discusses some of the differences between the ways mathematicians and physicists view vector calculus and the gap between the way this material is traditionally taught by mathematicians and the way physicists use it. Suggests some ways to narrow the gap. (Author/ASK)

Probes student views about knowing and learning physics with the Views About Science Survey (VASS). Employs six conceptual dimensions classified into the four distinct profiles of expert, high transitional, low transitional, and folk. Contains 42 references. (DDR)

Presents relatively simple experiments that allow students to see inductive current and electromagnetic force caused by the earth's magnetic field. (WRM)

Presents the result of an empirical study on the reception and effectiveness of historical material being included in the physics program of a Swiss high school. (Author/NB)

Examines data collected from a girls-only physics class in a public coeducational high school. Interview and observation data from this class, as well as from coeducational physics classes taught by the same teacher, illustrate that the girls in the single-sex class made substantial gains in both academic achievement and in perceptions of…

Describes an experiment in which students work together in small groups, take data, and make a calculation to roughly determine the diameter of the blind spot in their eye. (WRM)

Describes the Flexible Learning Approach to Physics (FLAP) teaching resource and the project's implementation and evaluation at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Reports that FLAP delivers many of the expected benefits, with significant gains in the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning. Contains 21 references.…

Describes an educational project primarily aimed at teachers and 15 to 18-year-old students that describes the essential features of a modern high-energy physics experiment. (Author/CCM)

Suggests an alternate way to determine the fractal dimension of bread by means of a dimensionally correct graphical analysis. (WRM)

Alternative forms of evaluation can provide deep and powerful learning experiences for students. Explains how to implement portfolios as an evaluation tool and describes a problem that was successfully implemented in a second semester reform calculus class. (Author/ASK)

Investigates the basic mechanics of cycling with a simple reckoning of how much effort is needed from the cyclist. The work done by the cyclist is quantified when the ride is on the flat and also when pedaling uphill. Proves that by making use of the available gears on a mountain bike, cycling uphill can be accomplished without pain. (Author/ASK)