Problem solving, both theoretical and practical, is the underlying skill developed through the physics curriculum. Service-learning has been integrated into engineering curricula, but programs proposed for that field often do not fit well into the structure of physics departments. A consultant-based approach to service-learning offers physics…

The focus of this study was to portray the ideas that students with four years experience in learning physics developed in regard to the second law of thermodynamics. Data were obtained through 34 clinical interviews with grade 10 students. An analysis of student arguments revealed deeply rooted difficulties in using concepts that were learned in…

Academic education should be integrated into vocational training in order to make both types of education more useful to students and more readily learned. College-level physics can be integrated into an automotive technology curriculum and students taught with a much more hands-on approach than has traditionally been taken. One such program is…

This paper presents the results of an experiment which investigated elementary school children's concept of the earth's shape and the related concept of gravity. First, third, and fifth grade children were asked a series of factual, explanatory, and generative questions in an attempt to understand as clearly as possible the way they conceptualized…

An overview of an Honors Workshop for outstanding high school science teachers of the physically handicapped from the greater Midwest is presented in this report to the National Science Foundation. Twenty-five teachers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to science teaching and were given opportunities to update their training in…

Preliminary results from a study of students' conceptions in introductory rotational physics are discussed. Analyses of data from problem solving interviews and written diagnostic tests provided evidence that many students had a poor qualitative understanding of torque. Even among students who answered questions correctly a percentage did so for…

This booklet is a compilation of factual information about physics education in Great Britain. It is an update of a previous booklet of the same title dated 1979. Almost all of the information is presented in graphical or diagrammatic form. Data are usually given for a few subjects in addition to physics to permit comparisons. Separate data for…

To dive safely, it is suggested that the diver have a working knowledge of waves, tides, currents, and water quality. Lack of understanding and respect for ocean currents and surf can be of serious consequence to the diver. This paper on the diving environment is designed to provide the diver with a general understanding of the physical…

Research and technology in the Federal Republic of Germany enjoy international distinction in many fields; indeed, German achievements in highly important areas have set new standards and influenced research and development world wide. This applies in equal measure to the natural sciences, the humanities and, in particular, to the applied…

Radiation is a natural energy force that has been a part of the environment since the Earth was formed. It takes various forms, none of which can be smelled, tasted, seen, heard, or felt. Nevertheless, scientists know what it is, where it comes from, how to measure and detect it, and how it affects people. Cosmic radiation from outer space and…

The objectives and design of a 3-year study of research training and supervision in biology and physics are discussed. Scientific problems arising from work on the thesis will be a focus for the postgraduate students and their supervisors. Attention will be focused on supervisors' and students' conceptions of science, subject range, research,…

Doing science in the Shuttle and Spacelab is a different experience than having an instrument on a satellite; science becomes more "personal." Interaction between scientists on the ground and the onboard crew in conducting experiments adds a new dimension to a science mission. It transforms the mission from a focus on machines,…

Science should not be presented as a collection of facts; it must be presented as an active dynamic subject. It should be used to stimulate young minds and encourage questioning. This is a publication designed to meet the needs of science teachers for a day-to-day reference in science. It was intended for the use of Peace Corps volunteers and…

Science should not be presented as a collection of facts; it must be presented as an active dynamic subject. It should be used to stimulate young minds and encourage questioning. This is a publication designed to meet the needs of science teachers for a day-to-day reference in science. It was intended for the use of Peace Corps volunteers and…

Science should not be presented as a collection of facts; it must be presented as an active dynamic subject. It should be used to stimulate young minds and encourage questioning. This is a publication designed to meet the needs of science teachers for a day-to-day reference in science. It was intended for the use of Peace Corps volunteers and…