Modeling has been shown to correct weaknesses of traditional instruction by engaging students in the design of physical models to describe, explain, and predict phenomena. Although the modeling method can be used without computers, the use of computers allows students to study problems that are difficult and time consuming, to visualize their…

Purpose is to show the ingenuity of Maxwell in the use of models and their significance to the developing theory of electromagnetic radiation. Five original papers are reviewed. (Author/TS)

Examines Drude's classical (1900) theory of electrical conduction, details the objections to and successes of the 1900 theory, and investigates the Quantum (1928) theory of conduction, reviewing its successes and limitations. (BT)

Discusses the existence of matter in smaller groups known as clusters. Applications of the findings in scientific studies are presented as they relate to technology. (SA)

Tries to explain the attraction between unlike charged particles using electromagnetic interaction as described by the quantum field theory. (GA)

Discusses the emergence of chaos as a major scientific subject and its place in historical, scientific, and technological context. Three sections provide (1) an overview of the scientific paradigm; (2) a review of the ideology of classical mechanics; and (3) examples of classical systems behaving in peculiar, nonintuitive manners. (MDH)

Discusses the early recognition of chaos as seen in Poincar's work solving dynamical problems. Proposes five examples from which an inventory of the manifestation of chaos can be inferred. Discusses some instructional consequences of the development of ideas of chaos. (MDH)