Discusses the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics program in the U.S. in terms of which of its aspects may be applied to education in the United Kingdom. Suggests that a British AP scheme giving access to introductory-level college physics for the brightest students may be needed in light of proposed A-level curriculum changes in the U.K. (Author/WRM)

Presents an analysis of an astrophysics institute designed for high school students. Investigates how students respond cognitively in an active science-learning environment in which they serve as apprentices to university astrophysics professors. (Author/CCM)

Reports the results of an experiment with undergraduates in a physics laboratory that indicates that preparation before a lab session improves student performance in the lab. Also concludes that follow-up work can lead to meaningful learning. (DDR)

Describes the use of teaching studios to encourage discussion of problems and presentation of solutions to the class. Argues that this is an effective way to have students teach other students. Concludes that teaching studios provide many benefits and produce positive responses from participants. (DDR)

Describes a teaching model aimed at promoting conceptual change concerning heat and temperature. The model is used with teachers (n=2) and students (n=92) to explore its use as a professional development tool as well as a teaching strategy. Results indicate that the teaching model is effective in changing students' ideas and the approach resulted…

There is still nothing to beat the excitement and fulfilment that you can get from observing celestial bodies on a clear dark night, in a remote location away from the seemingly ever increasing light pollution from cities. However, it is also the specific requirements for good observing that can sometimes prevent teachers from offering this…

Describes the structure of a physics course organized into independent-learning modules and designed to make use of the facilities of a Computer Assisted Management of Learning (CAMOL) package. (GA)

Presents music education as a setting for teaching nonlinear dynamics and chaotic behavior connected with fixed-point and limit-cycle attractors. The aim is not music composition but a first approach to an interdisciplinary tool suitable for a single-session class, at either the secondary or undergraduate level, for the introduction of these…

The planning of an introductory calculus textbook in classical mechanics is shown as an example of an approach to textbook design that uses four main cognitive categories: sources of learning, instruments of learning, processes of knowing, and mechanisms of knowing. The aspects, domains, description, and elements of each section of the textbook…

Some of the projects designed to increase girls' uptake of physics are surveyed and some aspects of teaching physics in a girl-friendly way are presented. Possible reasons for the underrepresentation of girls in high school physics are discussed. The Girls into Science and Technology (GIST) and the Girls' Education in Mathematics, Science and…

Explains how the graphing calculator can be used in simulations of physics experiments and how its use for plotting graphs requires a shift in emphasis from obtaining an experimental result to evaluating that result. (DDR)

Outlines the aims and principles underlying recent reforms in the junior school physics course in China. Focuses on developing students' abilities and the benefits of experimentation rather than the simple transfer of knowledge from teacher to students. (DDR)

Describes a study of General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) science students (n=50) in which each student was interviewed 3 times throughout the school year. Interviews probed student attitudes toward science and analysis of the data explored the effectiveness of the grading criteria, a portfolio-based assessment tool. Results indicate…

Outlines an alternative atomic model to the probability model, the descriptive quantum atomic model Electronium. Discusses the way in which it is intended to support students in learning quantum-mechanical concepts. (Author/MM)

Proposes that more cost-effective physics teaching could be achieved if methods of teaching and learning were substantially revised from the point of view of the desired objectives and if teachers recognized the need for continuing professional development in this area. Also recommends more student self-assessment, both as an economical measure…