This study aimed to analyze the Research-Based Learning (RBL) model implementation in the natural sciences in improving students' analytical thinking skills. This study employed a mixed-method with a sequential exploratory design. Data collection began with qualitative data and then continued with quantitative data. Qualitative data collection…

In light of extensive research demonstrating widespread misconceptions about electricity, this paper describes a learning study that targeted the most likely source of difficulty--failure of middle school pupils to develop a mental model that serves as a bridge between static and current electricity. During the intervention, pupils first envision…

We experience (perceive, act upon and react to, and conceptualize) dynamical processes in nature as agentive. Expressed differently, we experience events as resulting from activities and interactions of "Forces of Nature" (such as wind, light, heat, fluids, electricity, substances, and motion) that are conceived of as powerful agents…

In this paper we describe the results of some experiments about using surprising physics demonstrations, presented as magical phenomena followed by scientific explanations, for introducing physics topics in several teaching contexts. All the demonstrations have been designed to be implemented with easy to get and cheap materials, so that students…

In a 2012 blog post, John Maeda discusses the idea that while science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education plays an important role in innovation, limitations exist when we focus exclusively on STEM. Maeda advocates for the addition of the "A" for Art to the acronym, insisting that the arts promote the creativity and…

"Energy" is a term often used in everyday language. Even young children associate energy with the food they eat, feeling tired after playing soccer, or when asked to turn the lights off to save light energy. However, they may not have the scientific conceptual understanding of energy at this age. Teaching energy and matter could be…

Out of the four fundamental interactions in nature, electromagnetics is one of them along with gravitation, strong interaction and weak interaction. The field of electromagnetics has made much of the modern age possible. Electromagnets are common in day-to-day appliances and are becoming more conventional as the need for technology increases.…

Provides instructions for constructing a model of a working thermostat and suggests several student activities using the model. (DS)

Offers a series of hands-on activities for introducing students to concepts of energy transfer and conversion. Describes how simple devices as marbles, ramps, and sliders can be used to gauge the transfer of energy and assist in the development of investigative skills. (ML)

Many educators feel that elementary school science programs should concentrate on phenomena and concepts that are literally tangible. This document serves as the teaching manual which accompanies the Capsela modular system of manipulative and motorized models. The experiments in the manual are intended to provide a structured approach to using the…

Provided are hands-on activities on light, simulated emission, light radiation, and common uses of lasers. Directions and materials are discussed. Included is a diagram of a laser model. (CW)

Lists 25 energy activities and describes two experiments (materials needed and procedures used included) for secondary/middle school students. Like activities for younger children listed in part 1 (appearing in Vol. 65, No. 229), these activities are designed to provide concrete experiences for teaching various aspects of the energy concept. (JM)

Provides lists of instructional strategies for elementary school science focusing on: (1) the biological sciences; (2) forces, movement, and energy, and (3) the physical sciences. (JN)

Often elementary and junior high teachers search for effective, inexpensive, and easy-to-understand science activities. This document was designed with those teachers and their students in mind. It provides hands-on science activities that focus around three components: (1) themes--broad, unifying ideas that pervade science, math and technology;…

An elementary activity based energy education unit which utilizes student contracts is described. Examples of the preparation involved, student involvement entailed, and examples of contracts and grading criteria are included. (DS)