The year 2020 saw the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that not only had wide-reaching social and economic consequences but also put healthcare systems under stress. Strategies for coping with the virus depended heavily on the interpretation of data. This article uses information from a UK upper tier local authority to examine how closely the…

This article describes the implementation of an activity with a Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) learning cycle to teach the concepts of velocity and acceleration to physics students aged 17-19. The study indicates how the instructor enacted the activity and provides sample student responses and group discussions. The description includes an example…

The double-wall paper cup is an everyday object that can be used in the laboratory to study heat transfer. The experiment described here has been done by physics students aged 12-13 years; it can also be used in a different context to prompt debate about environmental issues.

Although graphs are used in both mathematics and science, there are disciplinary differences in the types of tasks, the terminology and the purpose for graphing. This can make it difficult for students to transfer their learning from one subject to the other. By examining the differences in how graphs are used, and the reasons for these…

A simple activity using cheap and readily available materials is described that allows students to experience first hand many of the concepts of measurement, uncertainty and graph drawing without laborious measuring or calculation. (Contains 9 figures.)

We sometimes struggle with the question of whether our primary goal is for students to recall or understand answers to questions, or for students to do science and improve their "scientific temper". This article describes how an enquiry-based laboratory experiment was carried out in which the stress was on the latter. The students…

Investigates 10th grade students' ability to handle data and interpretation by using a variety of tasks. Discusses the importance of developing student discussion as a route to better conceptual understanding of data presented in graphical form. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes some observations of novice students during a data-logging activity and draws on recent relevant research. Discusses aspects of students' talk about real-time graphs and reports on their perceptions of using IT in science. Suggests that such talk may help develop students' appreciation of the meaning in their data and their skills in…

Describes two spreadsheets for producing acid-base titration curves, one uses relatively simple cell formulae that can be written into the spreadsheet by inexperienced students and the second uses more complex formulae that are best written by the teacher. (JRH)

Investigates pupils' abilities to interpret graphical information using a comparative study involving data-logging, conventional practical work, and a nonpractical equivalent. Concludes that the computer-based approach seemed to be particularly effective for younger and less-abled pupils. (Author/ASK)

Discusses the important role of graphs in conveying scientific information and the use of computer software in amplifying the value of graphs as tools for scientific investigation. Topics discussed include: skills required for analyzing and interpreting graphs, software design, and teaching and learning strategies. (JRH)

Discusses key areas in science that require students to have a well-developed sense of numeracy for full understanding. Suggests that some of the difficulties students have with numeracy arise from not distinguishing between the teaching of facts and skills and teaching through conceptual understanding. Makes some recommendations for correcting…

Presents four Physics General Certificate of Secondary Education assessment practicals which can be photocopied for use in instruction. Includes notes for guidance of teachers in determining student skills in management and organization, designing and carrying out experiments to solve problems, draw conclusions, and select suitable apparatus for…