Summarizes case studies developed by a group of collaborating educators. Investigates ways of speaking that encourage students to formulate insightful questions about science topics and express their own ideas during reflective discussions. (Contains 68 references.) (Author/YDS)

Discusses the scheme and findings of a study designed to identify the conceptual knowledge used by high school students to solve a significant problem related to osmosis. Useful tips are provided to teachers to aid students in developing constructs that maximize understanding. (ZWH)

Although the concept of diffusion is thought to be simple and easily understood by most students, research studies revealed that many misconceptions regarding diffusion exist among secondary education students as well as college freshmen. Describes a study designed to seek out the causes for these misconceptions and to find ways to eliminate them.…

Based on a teacher's experiences with science method undergraduates and grade-12 physics students, it is suggested that teachers listen to their own voices and those of students and consider experience as a source of authority. (SK)

Recommends the use of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project which gives thinking skills lessons to students ages 11-13 to increase their general thinking ability. (DDR)

Explains the implementation of forensic science in an integrated curriculum and discusses the advantages of this approach. Lists the forensic science course syllabi studied in three high schools. Discusses the unit on polymers in detail. (YDS)

Explains the process of teaching about force, inertia, gravity, and friction to kindergarten students using the Reggio Emilia Approach. Incorporates writing, reading, counting, building vocabulary, and developing science and social skills. Addresses the Science as Inquiry Content Standard A and Physical Science Content Standard B of the National…

Describes research within physical science courses for preservice elementary teachers, where groups of students had access to computers, examining how computers were used as representational tools to support meaning-making conversations within groups. Notes how special computer simulators facilitated student groups' construction of robust…

Shows how box diagrams and AVOW diagrams may be used to solve problems concerning networks of resistors that obey Ohm's Law. Presents outcomes and feedback from students and teachers. Concludes with suggestions as to how these techniques might be incorporated into the teaching of basic circuit theory. (Contains 22 references.) (DDR)

Investigates the role and importance of peers in providing personal and academic support for Year 11 female students enrolled in physics and biology courses. Results indicate that while the supportive role provided by peers is similar regardless of the science subject undertaken by female students, this role may vary between schools. (AIM)

Describes the evolution of the seven major physics syllabi used in all secondary schools in China and analyzes the shifts of these syllabi in terms of objectives, content, instructional hours and teaching methods. Suggests changes for China's future secondary-physics education, including the need for modern experimental equipment such as computers…

Examines the relationships and development of communities of concepts related to heat and convection among fifth grade students. Discusses the influence of familial and cultural experiences on conceptual development as well as the extent to which competing phenomena affect the development of new conceptual understandings. (Contains 49 references.)…

Discusses possibilities for the application of telepresence to physics and teaching. Telepresence allows a computer user to effectively be present at some other location through the use of remote cameras, sensors, and controls. (WRM)

Describes a way of incorporating animations into spreadsheets using Excel software. (WRM)

Describes attempts to move physics discussions out of the classroom and onto the Internet where students can participate any time through the use of an electronic message board. (WRM)