Investigates high school students' knowledge of natural phenomena related to the concept of light flux as it applies to the seasons and illumination after they studied optics. Discusses didactic, cognitive, and ontological perspectives in relation to specific changes in the science curriculum. Contains 71 references. (DDR)

Examines quantitative models in school physics, looking particularly at the degree to which they match the real world. Explores the positive aspects of a mismatch between models and real world conditions. (DDR)

Outlines an alternative atomic model to the probability model, the descriptive quantum atomic model Electronium. Discusses the way in which it is intended to support students in learning quantum-mechanical concepts. (Author/MM)

Does a sensori-motor experience help a physics student understand the movement of molecules in solids, liquids, and gases? Students aged 9-10 were given either traditional demonstrations of solids, liquids, and gases and the variation of molecular motion with temperature (iconic presentation), or they were involved in physical activities as they…

Describes an epistemological framework and an associated research method. The framework focuses on the structural relations of individual and setting as experienced by the individual. The analysis consists in zooming to identify patterns that simultaneously occur at multiple levels. Uses data from a physics classroom where students learn to…

Examines the teaching of science and technology in a new curriculum in the last year of high school in Victoria, Australia. Physics and chemistry were linked to the study of materials and technology. The area of materials related all three subjects but enrollments were much higher for physics and chemistry than for materials and technology. (AIM)

Proposes that more cost-effective physics teaching could be achieved if methods of teaching and learning were substantially revised from the point of view of the desired objectives and if teachers recognized the need for continuing professional development in this area. Also recommends more student self-assessment, both as an economical measure…

Describes an ammeter that can be built for less than a dollar with commonly available parts to be used in circuits with 3-volt light bulbs. (WRM)

Argues for innovation in teaching physics. Contends that the major premise of work in physics education is that educational innovations should be based on research into student learning, and that the effectiveness of an innovation should be evaluated by openly assessing what students have actually learned--a notion that is starling to those in…

Explains the scientific concepts, technical designs, and materials that make up incandescent light sources. (WRM)

Describes and explains a procedure for photographing the chaotic scattering of light. (WRM)

Identifies middle school and college students' prior ideas about electrostatic induction. Presented students with observational evidence that supported or refuted their own prior ideas in an interview format. Concludes that the Lakatosian rather than the Popperian view is more acceptable in understanding students' responses to conflicting…

The main goal of most physics textbooks is to develop declarative and procedural knowledge. Exercises provide pupils with opportunities to apply this knowledge. However, when confronted with more complicated exercises many pupils experience difficulties in solving them. A computer program about the subject of forces was developed containing hints…

This study investigates factors affecting the degree of novice physics students application of the naive impetus theory. Six hundred and fourteen first-year university engineering physics students answered the Force Concept Inventory as a pre-test for their calculus-based course. We examined the degree to which students consistently applied the…

Plant tropisms--their directional movement in response to stimuli--are a fundamental concept in plant science and excite students because they are the observable signs of life in plants. Unfortunately, the precollege teaching literature is full of tropism misconceptions. An inexpensive clock clinostat is invaluable for student gravitropism and…