Shares some strategies for encouraging students to notice their environment in the broadest sense through using the Socratic method. Focuses on specific examples with historical significance such as exploring the period of a pendulum. (DDR)

Describes a study in which teaching and learning activities are designed using a cognitive conflict strategy. Focuses on the effectiveness of these activities in classroom research in pre-university courses in Botswana and South Africa. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Describes an activity that integrates chemistry, physics, and a Native American legend to help students imitate the thought processes of scientists who have observed chemical decomposition and the refraction of light. Includes a laboratory experiment for sugar decomposition. (DKM)

Details an investigation concerned with the composition of a grape to illustrate how food and nutrition topics can drive inquiry-oriented science learning. Students design experiments that surround the development of a fictitious new beverage. (DDR)

Ray tracing is a method that allows the creation of photo-realistic images on a computer. This article describes a shareware ray tracing program called PovRay and includes some ideas on how PovRay can be used in teaching and in 3-D geometry, physics, and other high school and university subjects. (Author/AIM)

Presents science activities used to teach 7th-grade students about the atom. Examines student misconceptions, age-appropriateness, and conflicts between state and federal science standards. (DKM)

Describes a study that compares the performance of introductory physics students on two examination problems. One problem is qualitative and similar to those used in an inquiry approach. The second problem is a typical quantitative problem. Those students enrolled in the inquiry-based introductory course performed significantly better than those…

Describes the development and analysis of the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics (TUG-K) and reports the results of a study aimed at uncovering student problems with interpreting kinematics graphs. Proposes a model for creating multiple choice tests which can be used as diagnostic tools. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Argues that graduate students who are expected to be physics instructors require training to be effective in the physics teaching environment. Describes and documents the content and fiscal components of a successful graduate student teacher-training program. (DDR)

Describes a program for preparation of mathematics and science teachers that includes close connections between the students' science courses, their experiences in the schools, and learning how to teach. The program is a joint project of the faculties of science and education. (DDR)

Describes a simple and graphic demonstration of molecular motion that utilizes a hot plate, a beaker, tap water, India ink, and a Pasteur pipette with a rubber bulb. Provides tips on guiding students to an understanding of molecular motion using this demonstration. (DDR)

Explores evolutionary changes in students' (n=46) motion-related language mediated by computer-based Newtonian microworlds. Documents how ways of talking emerge and how the convergence of meaning arises from the affordances provided by the interpretive flexibility of the microworld, conversations with the teacher, and the microworld which assures…

Describes how the technique of concept mapping can be useful for identifying gaps in preservice teachers' knowledge. Validity of the technique was tested using blind interviews with a representative sample of eight trainees. Has potential as a valuable self-diagnostic tool for teachers teaching outside their area of specialization. (DDR)

Describes an experiment in the teaching of introductory general physics at the college and university level that focuses on self-directed learning. Discusses the "Standard Model", premises of self-directed learning, classroom implementation, class work, laboratory work, out-of-class work, and assessment. Contains 34 references. (JRH)

Details the use of tabletop models that demonstrate concepts in direct current electrical resistivity, self-potential, and electromagnetic geophysical models. Explains how data profiles of the models are obtained. (DDR)