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…

To improve the teaching and learning materials for a curriculum it is important to incorporate the findings from educational research. In light of this, we present creative exercises and experiments to elicit, confront and resolve misconceptions in geometrical optics. Since ray diagrams can be both the cause and the solution for many…

Research globally has shown that many children lose interest in science towards the end of primary school and throughout the post-primary phase. This article explores children's experience and views in Irish schools that have adopted innovative practices that aim to empower, excite and inspire children in science. One of these focuses on explicit…

The performance of any engineering component depends on and is limited by the properties of the material from which it is fabricated. It is crucial for engineering students to understand these material properties, interpret them and select the right material for the right application. In this paper we present a new method to engage students with…

Educational versions of Millikan's oil-drop experiment have frequently been criticized; suggestions for improvement either focus on technical innovations of the setup or on replacing the experiment by other approaches of familiarization, such as computer simulations. In our approach, we have analysed experimental procedures. In doing so, we were…

The International Boiling Point Project is an online, collaborative project for students in grades 6-12 in which they investigate the impact of four factors (room temperature, elevation, volume of water and heating device) on the boiling point of water. A detailed procedure is provided for students in order to limit the number of variables…

Describes a chemistry outreach program where graduate student volunteers perform shows to excite high school students about science. Lists the experiments and demonstrations performed in the shows, and concludes that this outreach benefits both the high school student audience and the graduate student volunteers. Contains 21 references. (JRH)

Describes electricity experiments which can be used for such purposes as determining the magnetic field of a magnet, making an electromagnet, and showing the repulsion of like poles of a magnet. Includes list of materials needed, procedures used, and instructional strategies. (JN)

Describes the physics of an experiment in which an air wedge is formed between two glass plates inclined at a small angle by means of a thin spacer. Implications for instruction are noted. (JN)

Six secondary school teachers describe their most successful earth science investigations. They include various outdoor field activities, road-map reading skills, student-prepared and conducted investigations, and use of several materials for studying volcanoes. (JN)

Shows how the use of pulleys can add a new direction to experiments that demonstrate forces. Procedures used and typical student results are included. (JN)

Discusses a laboratory exercise (suitable for the day before spring vacation) involving use of a hard-boiled egg to stimulate student responses to questions on the effect of adding salt to the water, formation of iron sulfide, ease of peeling, and gas laws. Additional experiments are included. (BC)

Proposes a format for submitting 50-minute experiments suitable for high school beginning chemistry classes to this journal for a new feature section. (CS)

Describes an experiment in which chemistry students determine the efficiency of a laboratory burner used to heat water. The reaction is assumed to be the complete combustion of methane, CH4. The experiment is appropriate for secondary school chemistry students familiar with heats of reaction and simple calorimetry. Contains pre-laboratory and…

If students are restricted to making educational experiments only, they might acquire incorrect ideas concerning the nature and role of the experimental method because the educational experiment differs greatly from the scientific experiment by its tasks, complexity, number and variability of experiments and devices used, measurements, and…