There is a distinct divide between theory and practice in American science education. Research indicates that a constructivist philosophy, in which students construct their own knowledge, is conductive to learning, while in many cases teachers continue to present science in a more traditional manner. This study sought to explore possible…

The purposes of this study were to examine initial content knowledge about properties of air by three cohorts of undergraduate and master's students studying elementary education and to determine forms of reasoning used to explain air phenomena and the effect of an intervention on content knowledge. Subjects were assessed using a 14-question test…

The National Science Education Standards [National Research Council (1996) National science education standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press] recommend that students understand the apparent patterns of motion of the sun, moon and stars by the end of early elementary school. However, little information exists on students' ability to…

At first almost ignored and unread, Sadi Carnot's analysis of heat engines--published 150 years ago--contained ideas and methods that were developed later by Clausius and Thomson. Carnot's ideas and their influence on later science are discussed. (Author/RH)

Understanding the nature of science, especially how scientists err, is an essential tool for: (1) assessing the reliability and scope of scientific claims; (2) perceiving the scope of these claims; and (3) making personal and public decisions. What features of the nature of the science are most important to know? Recent consensus highlights the…

Lotka's Law, originally applicable only in physical science, is shown to apply reasonably well to the humanities. (Author/RS)

Relates the background and chain of events associated with the discovery of oxygen and Lavoisier's theory of combustion. (DS)

Reviews the life of Sir Isaac Newton, stressing his contributions to science and society. (CS)

Examines 24 revolutionary scientific figures mentioned in the "Structure of Scientific Revolutions" to determine whether young scientists are more likely to make revolutionary discoveries than older scientists. Suggests that middle-aged scientists are responsible for initiating more scientific revolutions than young scientists given the proportion…

Many in the science education community identify Kuhn with a sociological approach as opposed to a philosophical approach. Attempts to liberate Kuhn from too close an association with the sociology of scientific knowledge. (Author/CCM)

Discusses the nature of science education as an essential aspect of the phase-model of scientific development. (Author/CCM)

An experiment that can be used to directly study the local chemical environments of phosphorus in solid amorphous materials is demonstrated. The experiment aims at familiarizing the students of chemistry with the principles of solid-state NMR, by having them synthesize a simple phosphate glass, and making them observe the (super 31)P NMR spectrum,…

A theoretical analysis of single-slit diffraction based on the Fourier transform between coordinate and momentum space is presented. The transform between position and momentum is used to illuminate the intimate relationship between single-slit diffraction and uncertainty principle.