Word associations were used to map high school students' concepts of "chemical equilibrium" and "equilibrium." It was found that the preconception of the two concepts was differentiated on noncritical dimensions. (Author/CW)

Primary school teachers' responses to interview questions about science concepts are described and compared in general terms with views of scientific concepts held by children. Some possible implications of the findings for the development of primary science are outlined. Sample interview questions are included. (Author/CW)

Investigates how 11th graders think with respect to evolution and the development of species. Reports that the pupils have extensive factual knowledge, but have difficulty in relating these facts in coherent descriptions and explanations. (Author/YP)

Discusses pupil misconceptions concerning forces. Summarizes some of Assessment of Performance Unit's findings on meaning of (1) force, (2) force and motion in one dimension and two dimensions, and (3) Newton's second law. (YP)

Autistic children were tested on three tasks that were within the capability of three-four-year-old normal children and that involved the abilities to understand a mistaken belief, infer contents of a container from looking or not looking inside, and adjust answers to provide new information. (PCB)

Glaring and basic textbook errors and misconceptions about photosynthesis are discussed. The Calvin Cycle, photosynthetic products, alternative cycles, and plants as producers are considered. Included are observations of both college and secondary textbooks. (CW)

Certain misunderstandings in science, mathematics, and computer programing reflect analogous underlying difficulties. These misunderstandings are examined through four knowledge levels: (1) content; (2) problem-solving; (3) epistemic; and (4) inquiry. Analysis of several examples shows that misunderstandings have causes at multiple levels, and…

Describes an application of methodology based on the Information Integration Theory to study intuitive mastery by 13-14 year-olds of Archimedes' Effect in physics. (Author/YP)

Describes the author's reactions to Denny Taylor and Catherine Dorsey-Gaines' book "Growing Up Literate: Learning from Inner-City Families" which attempts to alter the popular perception that poor, inner-city children grow up in homes bereft of any sense of family and devoid of significant models of literate behavior. (RS)

Analyzes three "myths" associated with senior managers who ignore new communication and information technologies. Discusses how managers can encourage their colleagues to become literate in technology through actively using and supplying technology in the organization. Describes the benefits of voice recognition in making computer…

Four experiments investigated under which conditions and at which age level children in grades four through six would become aware of the conflict between practical and theoretical considerations in mathematics. Students in grades four and five did not indicate an awareness of this conflict, while about half the sixth graders did, indicating a…

The experimental/analogy group scored significantly higher than the control group on a posttest question that required the definition of diffusion (n=77 community college students). Hypothetico-deductive reasoning skill was significantly related to correct application of the diffusion concept to a change from the misapplication of the polarity and…

Involves 321 preservice elementary teacher education students in a study designed to investigate their intuitive scientific ideas and understandings. Results reveal that the majority of subjects, with the exception of a high proportion of those who has a successful high school background in physics and chemistry, have misunderstandings regarding…

Interviews with parents of 11th graders enrolled in a required, untracked American studies course reveal that parents' perspectives are not easily understood. Principals should beware of survey data and superficial feedback, resist focusing only on outcomes, and conceive of parents as learners. Principals can transform traditional meetings with…

Counters seven myths about multiple intelligences that have arisen since the author's 1993 book "Frames of Mind" was published with seven complementary "realities." Demonstrates some problematic applications of MI theory in schools and praises three positive applications, including cultivation of desired capabilities, varied…