Traces the history of post-secondary technical education (referred to as "further education") in the United Kingdom. Considers its present position in relation to other branches of the education system. Outlines some recent initiatives which have produced the present structure and content of technical education. (TW)

Discusses the increased overlap in both the content and methods of teaching physics and "craft, design and technology" (CDT) in Great Britain. Describes the move toward the inclusion of CDT in the examinations for the General Certificate of Secondary Education. Provides suggestions for a proposed course in CDT. (TW)

Considers several aspects of quantitative relationships involved in learning physics. Includes discussions of proportionality, various kinds of equality, and the need for generality. Argues that clear distinctions are necessary if the physics curriculum is to be examined with regard to pupil outcomes. (TW)

Suggests an application basis for a combined science and technology education. Describes the development of ideas and materials for a course in "physics from its applications and use." Gives a sample activity from the course. Evaluates the program in terms of its requirements and directions. (CW)

This first of two articles presents eight examples of what software infusion (SI) looks like in actual practice in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and learning laboratories. An analysis of SI characteristics demonstrated in the examples is presented to bring the definition of SI into focus. (MBR)

Discusses possible impact of a new system of examination of high school physics students in England and Wales. Outlines the schemes of assessment that have been accepted by the Secondary Education Council as meeting the new National Criteria, and suggests how teachers might begin to produce their own assessment programs. (TW)

For the past two years at NTU, I have been running a fourth year Bachelor of Education course on science issues. The majority of those doing the course are working primary teachers from a variety of backgrounds. The first part of the course consists of the history and philosophy of science, whilst the second part concerns science issues. The…

Exploratorium Science Snacks are miniature versions of some of the most popular exhibits at the Exploratorium, San Francisco's (California) museum of science, art, and human perception. Nearly 100 teachers worked with Exploratorium staff members to create scaled-down versions of exhibits that teachers could make using common, inexpensive,…

Contrary to what many students think, heat flows from hot to cold. Working in groups of 3-4, students investigate the properties of insulators in attempts to keep a cup of water from freezing and, once it is frozen, to keep it from melting. This activity requires a 4.5-hour time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

The scientist and mathematician of tomorrow will come from the high school students of today. It is important to appraise this source of the future scientific manpower from time to time, both to note the trends and to judge the effectiveness of the efforts being made to bolster the defense, security and future welfare of the Nation through the…

Discusses rationale for developing the Exploratorium at San Francisco's Museum of Science, Art, and Perception. Describes typical exhibits, hands-on nature of exhibits, and function of Explainers. Presents information about Exploratorium workshops (currently oriented toward upper elementary/junior high teachers), emphasizing the nature of science…

Provided are examples of science/society scenarios for biology, chemistry, and physics classes, as well as those of an interdisciplinary nature. These scenarios present some social or ethical problems related to the discipline and pose questions for student discussions. (Includes description of a project involved in developing/piloting such…

Presents a critical review of laboratory adaptations for visually impaired students in general science, biology, chemistry, and physics over the past 30 years. Learning modes used by these students (since these are considered when making adaptations) and ways students benefit working independently in a science laboratory are discussed. (JN)

Investigated whether a self-paced, individualized instruction course in chemistry and physics would result in: (1) greater level of achievement of academically underprepared students (N=80); (2) more satisfaction with instruction; and (3) more positive attitudes when compared with conventional instruction. Results indicate individualized treatment…

Describes an activity that integrates biology and physics concepts by experimenting with the seed dispersal of common milkweed or similar wind-dispersed seeds. Student teams collect seeds and measure several parameters, review principles of trajectory motion, perform experiments, and graph data. Students examine the ideas of…