Describes an experiment that uses air to test Charles' law. Reinforces the student's intuitive feel for Charles' law with quantitative numbers they can see, introduces the idea of extrapolating experimental data to obtain a theoretical value, and gives a physical quantitative meaning to the concept of absolute zero. (JRH)

Investigates the effectiveness of combining conceptual change text and concept mapping strategies on students' understanding of diffusion and osmosis. Results indicate that while the average percentage of students in the experimental group holding a scientifically correct view rose, the percentage of correct responses in the control group…

Examines the process of student conceptual change regarding thermal expansion using the Dual Situated Learning Model (DSLM) as an instructional approach. Indicates that DSLM promotes conceptual change and holds great potential to facilitate the process through classroom instruction at all levels. (Contains 38 references.) (Author/NB)

Uses Tazo discs to construct and investigate spinners and discuss how teachers and students worked and thought, scientifically and technologically, during the investigation. Includes some literature links and a professional development opportunity. (Author/NB)

Presents an activity to teach buoyancy. The lab determines what mass of sand can be added to the open end of hollow plastic containers of various shapes so that objects just float at the surface, without sinking, with their entire volume submerged. Discusses Archimedes' principle and aligns with current national science education standards.…

Points out the importance of problem solving as a fundamental skill and how students struggle with problem solving in physics courses. Describes a workbook developed as a solution to students' struggles that features simple exercises and advanced problem solving. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/YDS)

Introduces a functional model of sound transmission through solids and gases. Describes procedures of an activity to model how sound travels faster through solid materials than gases. Use dominoes to represent the particles of solids and gases. (KHR)

Describes the Standard Model, a basic model of the universe that describes electromagnetic force, weak nuclear force radioactivity, and the strong nuclear force responsible for holding particles within the nucleus together. (YDS)

Identifies behaviors of young children during play on swings that may be consistently observed as evidence of their construction of the physics principles related to pendulums. Findings indicate that children's activities on swings demonstrate their interest in experimenting with balance, force, gravity, resistance, and resonance. Discusses…

Presents in-depth discussions about the current situation, ongoing experiments, and existing problems of school physics in terms of the historical, cultural, political, and social contexts of China. Contains 52 references. (Author/JRH)

Investigates how discursive practices in a physics class were constrained by social forces associated with the larger context. Reports that in addition to constructivism, belief sets that shaped the enacted curriculum related to time, content coverage, and examinations. Provides examples of students accepting the viability of scientific claims…

Presents a project in which 11th and 12th grade students from a high school Principles of Engineering course instruct 5th grade students in Newton's laws. (KHR)

Points out that pupils often misunderstand the concepts of accuracy and reliability. Introduces a course in which students are involved in a two-week practical project that emphasizes checking anomalous points, improving accuracy, and making readings more sensitive. Describes the process of teaching students how to prepare their projects.…

Presents the first results of a working proposal aimed at coupling physics teaching with viewing cartoon programs. Involves the individualized analysis of two cartoon programs by teachers and students with a focus on discriminating between 'real' and 'impossible' situations, a class discussion of the results, and an attempt to give a physical…

Focuses on the conceptual understanding held by (n=78) preservice elementary teachers about moon phases before and after instruction. Compares instructive effect between two groups--inquiry-based physics instruction and no instruction. Reports that without the instruction, most preservice teachers were likely to hold alternative conceptions of the…