Investigates the role that social mediation plays in the destabilization of preconceptions of the concept of light among primary school pupils. One experimental group participated in a teaching process which aimed to lead students to cognitive conflict. Another group was taught with traditional methods. Differences between groups in pre- and…

Introduces a new framework of mental health counseling based on quantum physics. The framework stresses systemic thinking and intervention, interdependence, and the importance of adopting a novel perspective about time, space, reality, and change. This framework has the potential of modifying mental health counseling practice and training. Offers…

Argues that the deconstructive practice of disturbing the status quo between opposites constitutes one of the central themes of physics since the Enlightenment. Summarizes parallel developments in physics and language studies from Aristotle to Einstein. Contends that to question postmodern language theory exemplified in deconstruction necessitates…

Describes a practical activity in which 5-6 year-olds investigated, assembled, and disassembled simple mechanisms. Explains how the activity develops design and technology knowledge as well as basic skills such as literacy and numeracy. (SK)

Presents an experiment in which students can verify a number of basic ideas about electrical circuits and resistors. (CCM)

Compares micro-rockets to commercial models and water rockets. Finds that micro-rockets are more advantageous because they are constructed with inexpensive and readily available materials and can be safely launched indoors. (CCM)

Explains the origin of supernumerary rainbows--the appearance of three or more rainbows in the sky at a time. (WRM)

Discusses a simple modification to the method of answering and scoring multiple choice tests that allows students to indicate their estimates of the probability of the correctness of the multiple choice options for each question without affecting the validity of the assessment. (Author/CCM)

Introduces the thermodynamic cube, a mnemonic learning device for learning and recalling thermodynamic relations. (Author/CCM)

Presents didactic material and discusses educational experiences developed by the Tekne Group in Brazil. Points out that science is presented in a broader context of culture and aims to improve instructional practices in science. Explains some of the principles that inform the Tekne Group's work. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/YDS)

Argues that objections raised by Koertge, Gross and Levitt, and Weinberg against feminist scholarship are unwarranted. The concept of gender, as it has been developed in feminist theory, is key to understanding why the first objection is misguided. Social analysis of scientific knowledge is key to understanding why the second and third objections…

Discusses the role of physical enactment in developing an understanding of distance, time, and speed. Provides several examples from classroom experience. (MM)

Examines children's understanding of burning focusing on questions such as: "What are children's views of burning prior to and after instruction?," and "Do children's views become more scientific?" A significant difference was found in children's understanding before and after instruction. (Author/MM)

Presents a brief history of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an overview of the underlying physics followed by a short survey of current and emerging clinical applications. (Author/MM)

Introduces the Telescopes in Education (TIE) project, which began in 1993, in which schools have had access via telephone lines to a high quality telescope on Mount Wilson in California. Considers what can be gained from such projects to maximize their potential. (Author/ASK)