Argues that discussing theories, including their origin, development and replacement by other theories, can help students understand both the objective and subjective aspects of the scientific process. (DDR)

Argues that Albert Einstein preceded Karl Popper in formulating the fundamental premises of hypothetism. Presents the original text and ideas from an article published by Einstein in 1919. (DDR)

Presents worksheet activities that enable students to explore the concept of electrostatic induction and learn the meaning of grounding. Students build two classic devices, the electrophorus and the leaf electroscope. (DDR)

Investigates the effect of the presentation of brief biographical materials on women scientists on student knowledge of women scientists and on student perceptions of scientists. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Presents a method for using spreadsheets to model special relativistic phenomena based on the connection between electric and magnetic fields in special relativity. Uses the time dilation equation to carry out transformations between reference frames that show the connection between the fields quantitatively. (DDR)

Critically analyzes the core ideas of chaos theory to determine whether they are worth teaching and explores the accessibility of these ideas for students. The studies are embedded in a Model of Educational Reconstruction which seeks to bring science content structure concerns and educational concerns into balance and interaction with one another.…

The merits and limitations of an alternative assessment method implemented in an inclusive university education program are discussed based on data from a study in which 24 Swedish university students presented mathematics and physics project results. The study shows how an interdisciplinary approach to assessment can promote critical reflection…

Describes a simple circuit based on an inexpensive quad operational amplifier that permits a direct-reading temperature instrument to be constructed using silicon diodes. Encourages the use of this equipment in introductory thermal experiments. (DDR)

Addresses how mentoring relationships in physics work to teach composing in advanced academic contexts and what can make them more or less effective. Identifies and discusses three factors that may constrain situated learning: newcomer's existing skills, the implicitness of situated learning, and the location and distribution of authority in…

Uses creative dramatics to introduce an exploration of the dynamics of pendulums. (YDS)

A study of the predictive power of motivational variables for 154 gifted students in introductory physics courses at German college preparatory high schools found achievement differences were influenced by the talent variable with no significant influence for either approach or avoidance motivation. However, approach motivation positively…

This article examines the historical and current program at the Lavrentiev Physics-Mathematics Boarding School, a special school for highly gifted students in Novosibirsk, Russia. It notes that the declining prestige of mathematicians and physicists in Russia (compared to business-related careers) suggests the school may not continue to produce as…

Focuses on the familiar problem of students' understanding of elementary electrical circuits from a much neglected point of view. Suggests that the patterning commonly found in students' ideas might have its roots in the cognitive processing with which students operate their mental models of d.c. electrical circuits. Studies Japanese 10-11 year…

Introduces the Meteor Scatter Project (MSP) in which high school students build an automated meteor observatory and learn to monitor meteor activity. Involves students in activities such as radio frequency survey, antenna design, antenna construction, manual meteor counts, and computer board configuration and installation. (YDS)

Analyzed a corpus of videotapes in which university students solved physics problems to determine how students learn to understand a physics equation. Found that students learn to understand physics equations in terms of a vocabulary of elements called symbolic forms, each associating a simple conceptual schema with a pattern of symbols. Findings…