The 1969 version of "The Italian Job" is used as context for teaching turning forces and introducing or enhancing the understanding of equilibrium and Newton's Third Law of Motion. A Harrington Legionnaire coach is used as the getaway vehicle for a gold heist and the film ends on a genuine cliffhanger, with the rear half of the coach…

This model is useful in identifying specific learning problems and in providing techniques for the teacher to motivate and teach students at all levels. What it is and how it can be used are discussed, illustrated by specific strategies for geometry and science. (MNS)

Describes the process of problem-based learning (PBL), discusses the history of the movement, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of PBL. Explains the advantages of PBL in developing desirable attributes in biochemistry graduates which include being able to generalize, being able to interpret data, and possessing knowledge of relevant…

Reported is an analysis to determine the real costs of undergraduate student projects and to highlight areas in which economies could be made or efficiency improved. (PB)

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

Addresses the principles and problems associated with the use of significant figures. Explains uncertainty, the meaning of significant figures, the Simple Rule, the Three Rule, and the 1-5 Rule. Also provides examples of the Rules. (ML)

Experienced Physicists solve simple textbook problems differently from beginning students. This paper describes these differences using a computer-implemented model that "learns." The research is set in the the context of modern computer-processing psychology, and is related to other work relevant to help people know and learn…

Outlines current practices and future trends for science education in Thailand. Advocates a change in the teacher's role to that of facilitator and the increased incorporation of technology and multimedia approaches to science education. (WRM)

One of the goals of science education is to foster critical and scientific thinking skills. However, if the meaning of the terms "thinking critically" or "thinking scientifically" is not clear, these phrases will become vacuous slogans beyond translation in teaching methods and curriculum materials. Therefore, the fundamental aspect of these terms…