This paper presents an overview of research on physics problem solving using verbal protocols. It asserts that the understanding of physics problem solving strategies enables researchers to write computer programs, which can automatically solve physics problems without the users having to be experts in physics. This, in turn, can generate more…

Previous research in the field of student learning in higher education has mostly focused on conceptual issues of students at the individual concept or task level. There has been little research of students' conceptions of whole subjects, and virtually no previous research of students' feelings of their conceptual experiences. This paper aims to…

This CD-ROM, for ages 10-14, provides activities to answer questions such as what sound is; if we can see it; whether it travels faster through air, water, solids, or liquids; and how doctors, sailors, prospectors, architects, and engineers use sound in their work. This disc includes over 100 scientific concepts in music, acoustics, and anatomy;…

The everyday meaning and usage of several words can differ significantly from their meaning and usage in physics. Examining these differences, and how students respond to them, may shed some light on students' physical learning difficulties. We surveyed (N=154) students in a conceptual physics course on their use of some words, "force", "momentum"…

This document describes methods for designing and building two types of rockets--rockets from paper and rockets from bottles. Devices used for measuring the heights that the rockets obtain are also discussed. (KHR)

This paper discusses the difficulties in transforming the knowledge of science into school knowledge, which is based on the interconnection of scientists/researchers, teachers, and students. Some factors should be taken into consideration during the transformation of scientific knowledge into school knowledge, including the complexity of science…

Concerned about the impact on physics programs, the American Institute of Physics conducted a small targeted survey in 2003 covering all physics graduate programs across the United States. Responses were received from 72% of all such departments, including 75% of the 185 programs that granted doctorates in physics and 64% of the programs' that…

This paper reports on the level of effectiveness of the various course elements (such as electronic homework, written homework, collaborative group problems and class participation) in calculus-based introductory Newtonian mechanics as taught to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) students. Effectiveness is measured by the regression…

The deployment of immersive, non-restrictive environments for instruction and learning presents a new set of challenges for instructional designers and educators. Adopting the conceptual frameworks of Sherin's (2002) learning while teaching and Vygotsky's (1978) cultural development via the mediation of tools, this paper explores one professor's…

This textbook is designed to aid teachers who are using the "Fourteen Weeks Course." The problems contained in all the books are solved. The book contains answers in natural philosophy, chemistry, descriptive astronomy, experiments in chemistry, human physiology, physics, and astronomy.

This round table discussion, with Ilya Prigogine and others of the Brussels school, consists of a series of questions and answers relating to thermodynamics and biological order. (JR)

Summarizes the early discussion results in the development of a physics project in higher education. Indicates that the first-year experience concentrates on the following aspects: laboratory work, tutorial programs, and individualized instruction. (CC)

Daily monitoring of signals from artificial Earth satellites presented some international aspects to an extracurricular space science program. (Author/KM)