Presents a system for formally characterizing elements of an introductory science class, measuring class performance based on this characterization, and modeling the value of the class based on the measurements. The main components of this modeling system include educational engineering with a formal set of practices, the use of computational…

Lists changes which have been made in second edition and explains the philosophy upon which the alterations were based. (CP)

Ropes and their uses for the sailor are the focus of this unit. Students begin the study by taking apart a section of rope and putting it back together, testing strength at various stages. They also practice tying different knots and learn about the uses of ropes in sailing. After investigating the mechanics of a block and tackle, students…

Investigated were the effects of a carefully sequenced program of integrated media on achievement and affective responses of students in a multi-media systems approach to Harvard Project Physics. Five Harvard Project teacher field consultants were selected to teach the multi-media package, and five others were selected as comparison teachers to…

The test "Measurement About Science and Scientists" (Project Physics, Form 1) was prepared by choosing 101 items from the "Test on Understanding Science" and from the "Science Process Inventory" on the basis of their ability to indicate changes in students' knowledge. The method of building derived tests is described,…

Reports data which provide a partial replication of an earlier study of changes in attitudes of Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) physics students. Data from the present research failed to support earlier findings. Several reasons for the discrepancies are advanced. (JR)

Discusses the existing design of some undergraduate physics courses, and outlines the general aims which will give the development of a physics curriculum a definite direction and approach. (GA)

The study was conducted in Victoria on grade 11 pupils taking the first year of a two-year course based on Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) materials. The magnitudes of the teacher behavior and pupil personality effects were much larger than the effects associated with different curricula. (Author/MLH)

Presented are 29 activity cards designed for use with the Elementary Science Study (ESS) program. Each card describes an experiment on one aspect of water flow such as siphoning, methods of removing water from a container, aspirators, floats, and water behavior in various tubing linkups. Activities are intended for individual or small group study;…

This document is an evaluation instrument developed as a part of Harvard Project Physics (HPP). It consists of a 36-item, multiple choice (five options) Physics Achievement Test (PAT) designed to measure general knowledge of physics as well as the material emphasized in HPP. (PEB)

In this study an experimental test was constructed requiring high school students in introductory physics to use graphic rather than verbal skills in identifying relational concepts of physics. The effectiveness of the test was examined using both traditional and contemporary-PSSC (Physical Science Study Committee) physics. Two hundred twenty-six…

The purpose of this study was to compare the level of concept attainment achieved by students enrolled in a Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) physics course with that achieved by students enrolled in a traditional high school physics course. A sample of 265 PSSC students and 219 enrolled in the traditional course participated. The instrument…

Funded by the National Science Foundation, Dartmouth College's Project COEXIST (Computer Oriented Experiment in Science Teaching) had the main goal of development of a new introductory sequence of calculus courses accompanied by a carefully coordinated new elementary physics sequence and a new introductory engineering course, relying heavily on…

Describes the content, evaluation, and operation of a high school physics course intended for college bound non-science majors. Discusses some advantages and challenges of contract learning. (CP)

Fifty-nine secondary school physics students were assigned to treatment groups: (1) Project Physics units, (2) Project Physics and verbal learning unit, and (3) a training program in scientific inquiry. Posttest results revealed that, on most aspects of a science inquiry test, treatments 2 and 3 had significantly greater effect on achievement than…