Introduces three laboratory exercises which develop an understanding of principles of mechanics by using examples of bicycle operation: Newton's laws, statics and dynamics, and energy relationships. Describes related theory and laboratory procedures with diagrams and pictures in each exercise. (YP)

Investigated are the reasons why eleventh-grade Israeli students intend to enroll for a biology, chemistry, or physics course. Topics, activities, motives, attitudes, and grades in the subjects in year 10 are used as predictor variables for correlational analysis. (YP)

This paper is the third report on the changes in attitudes and interests of Danish upper secondary school students. It describes changes in student interests and attitudes and the main problems encountered in causing change. Recommendations to science educators are included. (YP)

Many studies have confirmed that students' interest in physics decreases during the secondary school level and that girls are, in general, less interested in physics than boys. This is an interim report of a six-year cross sectional and longitudinal study investigating the structure of interest in physics and technology and the relationship of…

Discusses skills that college teachers desire for students to learn in high school physics courses. (SL)

Describes a six-week summer science institute for providing secondary students with research experience conducted at East Carolina University. (SL)

Suggests a way to change the role of physics teacher. Discusses the teacher as a coach, reducing anxiety, team cooperation, and a grading system including "forgiving learning" which recognizes student's progress. (YP)

Presents examples to show the ubiquitous nature of geometry. Illustrates the relationship between the perimeter and area of two-dimensional objects and between the area and volume of three-dimensional objects. Provides examples of distribution systems, optimum shapes, structural strength, biological heat engines, man's size, and reflection and…

Described is a university physics course bridging the gap between educational methodology, content, and applications of physics in identifying and resolving both societal and physical problems. Discussed are students' goals, instruction, and evaluation. Provides supporting texts list, a sample schedule, and sample ideas for independent…

Gender differences in science interests were examined in two studies of projects entered in a regional science fair in kindergarten through grade 12. A content analysis of 1,319 project topics and materials submitted to the Northeastern Indiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair from 1991 through 1993 showed that girls were more likely than…

This study, an extension of previous studies, compared the views of freshmen college biology, chemistry, and physics students (N=229) with those of high school seniors (N=437), focusing on: (1) interest in different high school topics; (2) nature of high school laboratory experiences; (3) use of innovative instructional strategies in high school;…

Discusses the advantages of using discrepant events in elementary school science classrooms in terms of motivation and problem solving skills. Describes the materials, procedures, and reasons behind five discrepant activities. (YP)

The changes in the statutory science curriculum specification for all students aged 14-15 in England and Wales in 2006 herald a shift in how curriculum content is organized, and the purposes for science learning. In a curriculum for scientific literacy the selection of social situations and scientific controversies determines the knowledge that is…

Describes conferences to be held in Kiel, Germany, April 2-6, 1984; Utrecht, the Netherlands, August 20-25, 1984; and Brisbane, Australia, December 10-20, 1984. Includes topics to be covered and addresses for additional information. A call for papers is included with the Kiel information. (JM)

Investigates the attitudes of high school students (grades 11 and 12) toward physics and physics teaching including reasons for taking or not taking physics and reasons for considering or not considering a career in physics teaching. Provides frequency tables of responses to the questions. (YP)