Presents a study where astronomy teachers (n=66) try to predict student (n=330) outcomes on astronomy and related topics pre- and posttest. Suggested findings include a course in astronomy did not result in an overall knowledge gain, teachers fared well at predicting prior student knowledge, and teachers vastly overestimated student gain in…

Analyzes the presentations of electric current in physics textbooks. Concludes that from 1891 to 1991 most textbooks used a fluid model, which predated Faraday, for explaining direct-current circuits. (PR)

The history of atomic theory is outlined from earliest times up to the orbital model and describes a corresponding teaching method. The historical part of the paper emphasizes social and philosophical aspects in the development of atomic theory. The second part of the paper describes a method for teaching this material at the secondary level.…

Describes making a magnetic pendulum similar to those seen in novelty shops. Presents an open-ended activity and a more structured activity using this pendulum. (PR)

Provides instructions for building a radio telescope for less than $120. (PR)

Describes activities with a cartesian diver, a marginally buoyant float. (PR)

Describes a physics-curriculum project that utilizes hypermedia and an historical, conceptual approach. Argues that textbooks are often boring and are inadequate tools for student learning. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Details an eight-year project designed to reform a physics curriculum using a philosophical, historical perspective and inservice teacher training. Includes information on the development and implementation of the project as well as details about the teacher's guide. (DDR)

Argues that physics should be made more attractive to young people by linking the teaching of it to the real world and human culture. Focuses on the results of an initiative to reform physics education. (DDR)

Argues that the correct use of positive and negative signs in textbooks is often ignored and that this misuse might be because the authors are unaware of some basic rules. (DDR)

Reports on a case study in which students identify their diverse views on electric current and design a critical test to discriminate amongst those views. Employs a two-part model that differentiates charge from the agent causing it to move. Contains 43 references. (DDR)

Announces the winners of an annual software contest for innovative software in physics education. Winning entries include an application to help students visualize the origin of energy bands in a solid, a package on the radioastronomy of pulsars, and a school-level science simulation program. Also includes student winners, honorable mentions,…

Describes the use of a simple inexpensive model of a five-legged table in a physics course for industrial-design students to spark useful discussion about several aspects of statics. (WRM)

Discusses the relationships between instructor and student goals, course design, and student strategies for learning physics in a traditional introductory undergraduate physics course for nonmajors. Results indicate that diverse goals and the structure of the course inhibited the understanding of physics and were conducive to students engaging in…

Describes the conversational rhythm in an elementary class in order to understand when and how teacher and students succeed in developing shared understandings, and when and how they encounter difficulties. Uses the two contrasting concepts of "intermingling" and "bumpiness" to catch the phenomenological aspects of time in the…