Researchers and practitioners alike express concerns about the conceptual difficulties associated with the concepts of momentum and kinetic energy currently taught in school physics. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the treatment given to them in 44 published textbooks written for UK secondary school certificate courses. This is set…

Almost all experimental investigations on concepts of time (T), distance (D) and velocity (V) since 1946 have been based on the Piagetian theory. However, there are several controversial points in Piaget's investigations. In the experiment described in this paper, developmental changes of concepts concerning relation of T, D, and V were examined…

Considers two types of laser applications in kinetics. Explores short laser pulses to prepare a reactant in a known state and a continuous laser as a probe to monitor specific species in a reaction. Describes how lasers work and provides several examples of kinetic reactions. (ML)

Describes three case studies of the use of the Learning in Science Project (Energy) in New Zealand. Themes discussed include systems undergoing change, defining initial and final conditions, energy as a nonmaterial factor of change, forms of energy and conservation of energy. Mentions other issues and research. (CW)