Traces the history of the search for the ultimate nature of matter. The work of outstanding physicists since the late nineteenth century is discussed as it relates to the total picture of the search for a single unifying theory. (SA)

Discusses Barkla's part in the controversy around the J-phenomenon, and the different factors that contributed to the refutation of the phenomenon. (GA)

A survey of Australian scientists revealed that they felt media coverage of their research had significant benefits, but they received little support from their organizations. Examines factors that encourage or discourage scientists to communicate their work through the media. Discusses implications for managers of publicly funded institutions.…

Describes a joint venture between the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Department of Education in France that was created to allow students to do practical scientific work with the help of a CNRS researcher. Presents two practical projects done by students on organic polymers and on color. Concludes that this increases…

Describes the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) project as a way of teaching astronomy concepts to middle school students. The project provides students opportunities to work with professional scientists. (SOE)

A high school sophomore describes his summer job at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum where he worked when a rock found in Antarctica was determined to have come from Mars. He identifies with the enthusiasm of preteen day-campers for scientific learning and is flabbergasted by the nonchalant reactions from scientists to the possibility…

Offers a concise, abstract description of the scientific method different from the historical, philosophical, and case-study approaches, which lead to comprehension of this method. Discusses features of scientific models, dynamic interactions underlying scientific progress, ways that scientist successfully understand nature, mechanisms for…

This comment on EC 231 901 notes that progress in developing services for mentally retarded consumers has come from empirically proven interventions and from ideological advances. It argues that scientists should not advocate for the positions that their research supports, as they cannot advocate for a certain social change and then conduct…

Describes six books appropriate for use with high school advanced or honors biology classes. The stories describe scientists who persevered against existing preconceptions in science or society at three levels: (1) prevailing mainstream scientific ideas; (2) gender; and (3) nationality or race. Presents ideas for using biographies as part of a…

This article suggests that the American public is experiencing growing alienation from scientific inquiry and there is no national science policy. The research capacity of the United States is declining, and scientists have been reluctant to speak out. Concern exists that open disagreement among scientists would be more damaging than helpful.…

Senior undergraduates in the honors or graduation year with an intention to further their career in science would soon face the real world of scientific research as a junior scientist. It is important to acquaint these students with and adequately prepare them for the key aspects of a scientist's professional life. These include technical…

In this study, we develop a model of science identity to make sense of the science experiences of 15 successful women of color over the course of their undergraduate and graduate studies in science and into science-related careers. In our view, science identity accounts both for how women make meaning of science experiences and how society…

This booklet is designed to introduce young people, their parents, teachers, and advisers to various fields of and possible career opportunities in physics. The colorfully illustrated booklet, aimed particularly at junior high school students, highlights the work and experiences of several young physicists. Although physics is not usually taught…

This booklet presents information about career opportunities for women in physics. Included are summaries of research areas in physics (optical physics, solid-state physics, materials science, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, astrophysics, cryogenics, plasma physics, biophysics, atmospheric physics) and differences between theory and…

This report summarizes a study of the effectiveness of the National Science Foundation's Research Opportunities for Women (ROW) program in encouraging female scientists and engineers to initiate research careers. Study findings are based on telephone interviews conducted with 657 ROW-eligible women: 255 who applied through the ROW program, 302 who…