"Charting New Territory: Tapping Charter Schools to Turn Around the Nation's Dropout Factories" argues for a more prominent role for charter operators in turning around perennially low-performing high schools. However, the report's ultimate findings and conclusions are out of proportion to the strength of the research evidence on school…

Various research studies designed to enhance knowledge about the earth's core are discussed. Areas addressed include: (1) the discovery of the earth's core; (2) experimental approaches used in studying the earth's core (including shock-wave experiments and experiments at high static pressures), the search for the core's light elements, the…

Recently, Professor Sonia Nieto of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst presented the results of her research on the factors that contribute to the sustainment of the professional vitality and commitment of quality teachers in urban high schools. Through her interactions with the teachers in her study, Professor Nieto identified seven themes…

Microcomputers can perform two distinct functions in high school science classes, providing computer-assisted instruction and serving as tools in experimentation. This report describes a project based on three premises: that science is primarily the process of examining, modeling, and understanding nature; that the best way to learn science is by…

This paper argues for extending the definition of "technology" in education to include much more than just computers, and for recognizing the dangers of using technology for its entertainment purposes. Two conceptions of the proper use of technology in science classrooms are offered: (1) technology as tool; and (2) technology as topic. Specific…

If science education is to be related as closely as possible to science, then Thought Experiments (TEs) must play an appropriate part. Presents a typology of TEs with examples drawn from the history of physics and addresses their various uses in bringing about students' conceptual development. Finds appropriate use of TEs is lacking in physics…