This study examined whether students could learn counterintuitive science concepts by reading and discussing ideas. Ninth graders read texts, answered questions, then completed control activities or engaged in scaffolded discussions. Students who read expository text and students who participated in scaffolded discussion performed better than…

Presents a project-based curriculum, Foundations of Science (FOS), that integrates the physical and biological sciences. Consists of three years of integrated science based on: integrating science disciplines, project-based science, inclusion of authentic problems, and routine uses of technology. (nine references) (JRH)

Describes a project that uses a computer and a dot matrix printer to simulate the holographic recording process of simple object structures. The process' four steps are (1) superposition of waves; (2) representing the superposition of a plane reference wave on the monitor screen; (3) photographic reduction of the images; and (4) reconstruction of…

Describes the Mathematics Correspondence School that was organized in late 1960s and still directed by the author, to serve about 1,000 Russian secondary students in small cities and remote villages. Discusses this project's extension to other disciplines, and the introduction of English versions of the school's textbooks via this regular journal…

Describes the process of osmosis from its discovery by Nollet in 1848 to modern applications. Uses experimental descriptions, illustrations, and photographs to explain osmosis. Discusses the technology of producing perfect filters and their applications in reverse osmosis to purify salt water and to filter blood in kidney machines. (PR)

Describes an evaluation of two video modules developed at the University of Plymouth (United Kingdom) to interest and motivate students in learning mathematics. Videos to teach the concepts of motion and of momentum and collisions are described; students' and teachers' attitudes are discussed; and evaluations of revised versions are reported.…

Describes one individual's efforts to help support early science education by making presentations to children in elementary schools. Discusses the following aspects of the program: (1) getting started; (2) obtaining funding; (3) assessing students ability levels; and (4) deciding what hands-on experiences to give students. (MDH)

Describes an activity to construct polyhedra resembling molecular structures. Each face forms regular polygons made up of balls. Step-by-step directions are provided to perform the constructions. (MDH)

Suggests seven take-home experiments geared toward the topic of energy that can be utilized in large, general-education physics classes that do not include laboratory sessions. An appendix provides details for the experiment to measure the heat of fusion of water. (MDH)

Describes a method of teaching physics for mastery. The method includes writing assignments on journal sheets, discussions of major concepts by student teams, and individual mastery conferences using questions formulated around the results of the group discussions. Discusses the ramifications of using this method. (MDH)

Step-by-step instructions for bringing the French minitel telecommunications system into the language classroom as part of a larger telecommunications center project are outlined. Information sources for such a project, budget, timeline, a classroom lesson sample integrating French and science, and a list of useful addresses are provided. (MSE)

Specific recommendations are made to implement education in science/technology/environment/society (STES) issues in Canadian schools. Functional STES literacy will enable students to take positions on issues based on their cognitive analyses and value systems. Contemporary science teaching neglects the problem solving that real STES education will…

Proposes resolutions about the relationship between a short course on science instruction and specific changes in teaching strategy. Identifies teachers' existing knowledge base as an important factor for the examination of new pedagogical ideas. Suggests that loyalty and demonstration provide a mechanism by which teachers may enhance their…

Compares performances of students on gas-law problems that require two distinct approaches, either the algorithmic technique or the conceptual gestalt. Indicates that student effectiveness is considerably different utilizing each approach and that training or experience with the algorithm process should not be expected to facilitate the…

Discusses the teaching of particle physics as part of the A-level physics course in British secondary schools. Utilizes the quark model of hadrons and the conceptual kinematics of particle collisions, as examples, to demonstrate practical instructional possibilities in relation to student expectations. (JJK)