Research in science education has recognized the importance of teaching atomic structure within a history and philosophy of science perspective. The objective of this study is to evaluate general physics textbooks published in Korea based on the eight criteria developed in previous research. The result of this study shows that Korean general…

Our objective is to contribute to the teaching of Classical Darwinian "Evolution" by means of a study of analogies and metaphors. Throughout the history of knowledge about "Evolution" and in Science teaching, tree structures have been used an analogs to refer to "Evolution," such as by Darwin in the "Tree of Life" passage contained in "On The…

Using the Velikovsky affair, the author describes how scientists are often constrained by their own ideas and sometimes have difficulty observing phenomena from a new point of view. (BR)

Presents the results of an analysis of Balmer's draft manuscripts, which revealed new and pertinent details about the genesis of the Balmer series. In particular the origin and nature of Balmer's geometrical construction for the series is described. In addition, it is shown that the Balmer series played a direct role in the formulation of the…

Thomas Kuhn draws the distinction between textbook history of science and history of science proper. The question addressed in the paper is whether Kuhn recommends the inclusion of distortive textbook history in science education. It is argued, pace Fuller, that Kuhn does not make normative suggestions. He does not urge the teaching of bad history…

Presents a model of expert reasoning practices that focuses on constructive modeling, a tacit dimension of the thinking practices of expert physicists. Draws on historical cases and protocol accounts of expert reasoning in scientific problem solving and argues that having expertise in physics requires facility with the practice of constructive…

Illustrates some of the limitations and pitfalls inherent in the use of educational genealogies in science by citing the available historical evidence concerning the apprenticeships of several scientists educated in the United States in the period 1800-1876. (Author/HM)

Focuses on the analysis of Thomas S. Kuhn's book, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." Science history is reviewed as it is viewed through the idea of a paradigm. The sequence in science or life cycle of a paradigm is explained. (SA)

Presents excerpts from the scientific writings of Boyle and Newton to demonstrate their use of metaphysical models. (CP)

The changes which occurred in man's view of the solar system from the time of Ptolemy to that of Galileo are presented. Contained is a brief review of the chain of events which resulted in the acceptance of a heliocentric system. Ptolomy's theory is described and a diagram illustrates the paths of the epicycle of Mars according to his geocentric…

Explains changes in the scientific world view. Describes the classical mechanistic-reductionist paradigm and some modern examples of changes including evolution, self-organizing universe, non-linearity, subjectivity, and software. (YP)

Argues that Albert Einstein preceded Karl Popper in formulating the fundamental premises of hypothetism. Presents the original text and ideas from an article published by Einstein in 1919. (DDR)

Describes the first moon-radar echo experiment conducted by Zoltan Bay in Hungary and comments on Bay as a model for contemporary physics education. (DDR)

Some central issues in discussions of creative processes in science are: (1) the mechanism(s) by which hypothesis formation takes place; (2) the sources of new knowledge during hypothesis formation; and (3) the "Eureka" versus steady accumulation (accretion) issue concerning the pace of change during hypothesis formation. This paper…