Investigates the knowledge and understanding among 482 students nearing the end of compulsory education of genetics. Finds a poor understanding of the processes by which genetic information in transferred and a lack of basic knowledge about the structures involved. (Author/CCM)

Describes an activity that centers around advertisements for alternative medical therapy devises based on magnets. (CCM)

Examines the possibility that language confusion can be mistaken for misconception. Uses a written test to diagnose physics misconceptions among South African students. Reports that in several cases distracters were chosen by subjects who did not hold the target misconceptions. Indicates that caution is needed in interpreting student responses to…

Considers teaching strategies to help children overcome misconceptions and difficulties with the mathematical concept of angles. (ASK)

Alfie Kohn's critique of character education in the February 1997 "Kappan" is constructive but not complex enough to provide guidance for the field. Except for briefly describing the Child Development Project, Kohn omits books and articles advocating a comprehensive approach to character education and does not fairly represent some…

In a California case involving a 16-year-old girl's possession of three knives on school grounds, both a trial and Ninth Circuit court affirmed the school vice-principal's right to search and discover these weapons while enforcing a no-smoking policy. The court lectured parents and lawyers for wasting the court's time--especially after a juvenile…

Argues that two theoretical components of a model known as the Conceptual Change Model (CCM) are beneficial constructs for teachers to use when helping students negotiate scientific discourse. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Uses an interdisciplinary approach in an organic chemistry course which integrates a pharmacology framework to incorporate meaningful connections between biology and chemistry. (YDS)

A questionnaire of 19 questions given to a total of 433 students in college preservice training for future high school teachers showed that science and nonscience majors held a series of misconceptions on several central topics in basic astronomy. (Author)

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education's strong movement to strengthen accreditation appears to have generated the same kinds of criticism and condemnation as before the redesign. However, results of interviews with 32 teacher education and NCATE leaders show overwhelming support for NCATE. Schools, colleges, and departments…

Analyzed operational knowledge of the weight concept of high school students after two educational levels: introductory and advanced physics. Results showed that apparent and true weight concepts are poorly assimilated by most of the advanced placement students. Discusses origins of the shortcomings of the alternative knowledge about weight.…

Asserts that arguments about traditional logical empiricist conceptions of science have figured in ill-conceived debates over educational administration theory. Reviews these debates and their consequences for administrative theory. Urges adoption of a nonfoundational, coherentist view of knowledge justification leading to a broader conception of…

Describes a fifth-grade science classroom where students were asked to invent an operational definition of matter and validate that definition by designing and implementing a variety of tests. Challenges students to confront their misunderstandings about matter and move beyond merely reciting a definition. (JRH)

Criticizes Jay Mathews'"Newsweek" article ranking the 100 "best" American high schools by a Challenge Index dividing the number of advanced placement/international baccalaureate tests taken by the number of graduating seniors. Clifford Adelman's research on good academic content and good teachers provides more useful criteria.…

Describes fourth- to sixth-grade level activities designed to enhance science learning through the identification of science concepts and misconceptions found in the media, and by underscoring the relevance of science to everyday life. (Contains 17 references.) (ASK)