Children's ideas about radiation and radioactivity are reviewed and several common areas of misunderstanding are identified. An approach to teaching the topic at the secondary school level which seeks to specifically address known difficulties is outlined. (CW)

A teacher of students with hearing impairments outlines ways to integrate use of the scientific method into science laboratory experiences. A sample experiment is outlined, and the value of the applied science experiences for students who are concrete learners is stressed. (DB)

Some findings about the provision of science education in English secondary schools are presented. The main finding is that despite the introduction of combined science courses, many secondary schools still organize science teaching in years foour and five as separate subjects for some pupils. (Author/CW)

Devised is a test involving chemical examples to establish to what extent college chemistry students recognized and assessed the explanatory content of statements presented in the form of justifications. Several results are discussed. Several test items are included. (Author/YP)

Reviews the evolution-creationism issue in public schools from the 1925 Scopes trial to 1980s cases. Analyzes major aspects of "Edwards v. Aguillard" in which the U.S. Supreme Court found the 1981 Louisiana statute requiring balanced treatment of creationism and evolution unconstitutional. Suggests future implications of the issue for…

Discusses the application of marketing principles to a software house specializing in products for the construction industry. Concludes that service management and marketing insights are important factors for the successful growth of a company or service department. (YP)

Describes college physics courses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Presents honors degree courses, entry requirements, course structure, and further information from 93 colleges in the British Isles. (YP)

Describes college physics courses in Scotland. Presents honors degree courses, entry requirements, course structure, and further information from 15 colleges in Scotland. (YP)

Describes a high school physics teaching sequence including more modern topics. The first quarter covers cosmology, astronomy, optics, wave mechanics, relativity, gravity, and quantum theory. The second quarter covers classical mechanics. The third quarter covers electromagnetism and electronics. The fourth quarter consists of thermodynamics and…

This article reports the status of an undergraduate course in introductory physics at the University of Ulster and its success over the past 11 years. The original plan, problems, changes, and an assessment of the course are discussed. Lists 11 references. (YP)

Examines the content knowledge of genetics as it is organized for solving effect-to-cause problems. Reviews proposed reasons explaining why students find genetics difficult to learn. Explains dominant and codominant inheritance patterns, multiple alleles, and X-linkage. (RT)

Students write a short paper in which they describe and interpret the history of a geologic feature. Provides an introduction, logistics of the assignment, background and rationale for the writing process, suggestions for change, and conclusions. (RT)

Describes composite materials and related industries. Discusses the few courses at the undergraduate level, the few schools offering the courses, alternatives to these courses, job opportunities, and future trends. (YP)

Argues that advances in Earth science call for their inclusion in Earth history. States that the focus should be on the planet and the process by which it reached its present state. Explains pre-solar and pre-lithospheric history, interacting spheres of influence, characteristics of eons and eras, and their transitions. (RT)

Outlines a three-day unit for presenting biotechnology. States that the approach surveys the processes of enzyme restriction, ligation, transformations of recombinant plasmids, and gel electrophoresis. Diagrams accompany the article. (RT)