Fourth-year students in eight classes were tested over a three-year period to determine the ease or difficulty with which they learned the conservation principle. A major focus was on ideas they held about the nature of energy before beginning the course. Results and implications for physics instruction are presented. (JN)

Investigated the extent to which 28 academically able students used energy conservation ideas in solving written and practical problems. Interviews show problems they had in understanding and using the concepts of work and energy and that the idea of energy conservation was rarely used spontaneously in relevant situations. (JN)

Describes a multi-project pack on central heating systems, developed into an educational game, used for teaching a variety of subjects in high school. The students examine the basic decision to install a central heating system, for a particular house, and the economics involved. (GA)

Critiques the "energy circus," an approach to the introduction of ideas of energy transformation and conservation which is in common use in secondary schools. Identifies some practical and conceptual difficulties and outlines an alternative approach used in introducing ideas about energy using real devices and arrow notation. (CW)

Describes three case studies of the use of the Learning in Science Project (Energy) in New Zealand. Themes discussed include systems undergoing change, defining initial and final conditions, energy as a nonmaterial factor of change, forms of energy and conservation of energy. Mentions other issues and research. (CW)