Introduces a paleontology curriculum that focuses on the concepts of observation and inference, setting up an experiment, collecting data, and developing and testing a hypothesis. Features units such as Nature of Science, Paleontology of Florissant, and Evolution. (YDS)

Explores the research on argumentation in science education by focusing on two questions: (1) what should constitute argumentation?; and (2) what does research say about classroom conditions that promote, nurture, and sustain argumentation practices among students? Discusses possible barriers to argumentation and foundational frameworks and…

Discusses the use of systematic networks as a basis for the construction of a questionnaire on teachers' views of the philosophy of science. Describes issues of the scientific method, criteria of demarcation, patterns of scientific change, and the status of scientific knowledge from four philosophical positions. (Author/YP)

Describes three experiments with an air table to produce a centripetal force. Provides some diagrams and pictures of the apparatus. (YP)

Discusses the general construction of an air track. Describes three demonstrations including elastic collision, forced oscillators, and coupled oscillators. Provides a diagram and four pictures. Suggests how a similar exhibit could be constructed with a modest budget. (YP)

Answers the question about the crown effect of a liquid drop. Describes the concepts of surface tension, irregularities, and pinch effect. (YP)

Investigates the predictive ability of two sociological theories of group decision making, the social decision scheme and the valence distribution model. Reports that student beliefs at the end of the simulation deviated from group consensus and that the two models could not account for the deviation. (Author/YP)

Presents a mechanics problem illustrating that Newton's second law and the linear conservation of momentum principle must be used in an inertial reference frame. Provides an analysis of the problem. (YP)

Presents a lesson in the mechanics of rotation which deals with setting the playground swing into motion. Discusses the scientific principles involved in these procedures. Illustrations of several explanations are included. (RT)

Discussed are several topics on medical imaging including x-rays and Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging, fiber optics endoscopy, nuclear medicine and bone scans, positron-emission tomography, and ultrasound. The concepts of radiation dosage, electrocardiograms, and laser therapy are included. (YP)

Discusses the average speed differences between hydrogen and oxygen molecules contained in a jar. (YP)

Discusses marbleized paper, which originated in Japan in the eighth century and became quite popular in Europe and the United States in the nineteenth century. Describes the scientific process behind marbleization, and explains how students can produce their own colorful designs by placing a sheet of paper on top of oil-based paints floated in a…

This activity is more concerned with illustrating the process of scientific discovery than with astronomy. Students are involved in observing the Moon and noting the simultaneous location of the Sun. A manual with observation log and diagrams is provided. Requires no special equipment and takes a discovery learning approach. (LZ)

Activities involving concave rubber disks are utilized to illustrate the scientific principles of kinetic and potential energy. Provides teacher instructions and questions related to the activity. (MDH)

Beliefs about science and religion held by students (n=44), teachers (n=10), and clergy (n=4) in a Lutheran secondary school in Australia were assessed via survey and interview. Participants' views of the relationship between science and religious beliefs were complex. Concludes that traditional science programs do not adequately address the range…