Describes an attempt to match the goals of the practical demonstration of the use of a strain gauge and the technical applications of science and responding to student questions in early trials, while keeping within the level of electronics in advanced physics. (Author/JRH)

Presents modeling ideas for teaching about DNA using a climbing rope, rope ladder, paper, and CD cases. (YDS)

Uses a two-tier, multiple-choice diagnostic instrument to determine (n=915) grade 10 students' understanding of the acid, base, and salt reactions involved in basic qualitative analysis. Reports that many students did not understand the formation of precipitates and the complex salts, acid/salt-base reactions, and thermal decomposition involved in…

Reports on the results of a study investigating when the erosion of children's interest in science starts. Focuses on elementary education and suggests clear differences between boys and girls in their attitudes toward school science. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Provides a brief account of early attempts to concentrate the sun's radiation for heating purposes and reports on 20th-century attempts to do the same, including the solar furnace in the French Pyrenees. Includes a discussion of the solar constant and its applications. (DDR)

Uses the overthrow of the phlogiston theory to provide students with insight into the nature of science and changes in theory. Presents a case study of lessons on theories of burning using a historical theme. Argues that an appreciation of how science makes progress can be combined with an understanding of modern day theory to encourage…

Reports on research which identifies factors, both inside and outside the curriculum, that influence students in choosing whether or not to continue with science. Challenges some of the accepted wisdom in science teaching and emphasizes the importance of those motivational factors that stimulate the imagination and commitment of students. Contains…

Explains how difficult it is to individualize learning in crowded classes and describes different approaches to providing differentiation in the science classroom. Gives examples of how these can be put into practice. (Author/YDS)

Outlines the background and structure of the U.K./Australia Fellowships Scheme for Teachers of Science. Summarizes some of the issues articulated by the fellows, hosts, and organizers. Presents a qualitative cost/benefit analysis of the Fellowships Scheme. (Author/JRH)

Explores the perceptions of teachers of the effects on their pupils of following the Salters' Science course, a course which places particular emphasis on using a broader range of activities and increases the emphasis placed on everyday applications of science. (15 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes the history of the science of geology. The author expounds upon the discovery of deep time and plate tectonics, explaining how the theory of deep time influenced the development of Darwin and Wallace's theory of evolution. Describes how the history of earth science helps students understand the nature of science. (PR)

Describes a sequence of activities which explore the nature of magnetism. Presents background information and details for classroom instruction for the following activities: plotting two-dimensional magnetic fields, making the reed switch and the reed relay, building a ribbon and moving coil loudspeaker, and investigations of a toy commutatorless…

Outlines some of the developments in the use of information technology in education from the BBC Model A computer to CD-ROM and the Internet. Some examples of use are touched upon as are possibilities for the future. Emphasizes the effects of these examples on teaching and learning. (Author/ASK)

Describes a spreadsheet activity for the iodine-clock reaction which follows the concentrations of all reactions and products for 200 seconds and gives the induction period. Explains that, although there are limitations to the spreadsheet, it is nevertheless illuminating. (Author/ASK)