The study reported here extends the investigation begun by Piaget of content effects to laboratory and naturalistic tasks. If the accuracy and completeness of the subjects' expected variables is related to content, then performance on laboratory and naturalistic tasks should differ systematically. The subjects' expected variables were measured by…

The purpose of this study was to identify the earth science principles pertinent to current programs in general education at the junior high level, and to determine whether selected textbooks provide adequate representation of those principles. There were 121 principles identified as being essential to the understanding of these five earth science…

Space science-oriented concepts and suggested activities are presented for intermediate grade teachers of science and mathematics in a book designed to help bring applications of space-oriented mathematics into the classroom. Concepts and activities are considered in these areas: methods of keeping time (historically); measurement as related to…

This second draft of a manuscript for a high school engineering and technology course uses case studies as its format. The principles associated with various engineering problems are presented along with their effects on daily life. Topics include the computer, the automotive power system, satellite communications, the petroleum industry, water…

Lists objectives for a scientifically literate citizenry and major knowledge components of a definition of scientific literacy. (MLH)

Demonstrates that the assumption of a single-frequency wave does not eliminate the effect of frequency dispersion upon energy transport velocity nor upon energy density. (Author/SL)

Demonstrates that the standard deviation of the position probability of a particle moving freely in one dimension is a function of the standard deviation of its velocity distribution and time in classical or quantum mechanics. (SL)

Discusses the nature of science and addresses the question of why scientific knowledge cannot be absolute. (SL)

Describes a method of introducing secondary or college students to direct-current electricity via a technique used for elementary level students. (SL)

Discusses the use and significance of geologic generalizations. Provides examples of different types of geologic observations and describes how they relate to the way explanations are formulated. Proposes that the mentioned generalizations be regarded as "laws." (ML)

Discusses the physics principles applied to the main steps of the photocopying process. Of particular interest (and at the heart of the process) are the ways in which electric charges, or particles carrying charges, are caused to transfer from one surface or medium to another at each stage. (JN)

This paper examines how using a series of lessons developed from the history of research on sickle cell anemia affects preservice teacher conceptions of the nature of science (NOS). The importance of a pedagogy that has students do science through an integral use of the history of science is effective at enriching students' NOS views is presented.…

Scientific inquiry reflects how scientists come to understand the natural world, and it is at the heart of how students learn. From a very early age, children interact with their environment, ask questions, and seek ways to answer those questions. Understanding science content is significantly enhanced when ideas are anchored to inquiry…

NASA CONNECT is an annual series of free integrated mathematics, science, and technology instructional distance learning programs for students in grades 5-8. This video presents the World Space Congress 2002, the meeting of the decade for space professionals. Topics discussed range from the discovery of distant planets to medical advancements,…

The guide presents lesson plans from "NOVA" which targets middle school and junior high school students and meet the National Science Education Standards. Lessons include: (1) "Neanderthals on Trial"; (2) "Fireworks"; (3) "Secrets, Lies and Atomic Spies"; (4) "Bioterror"; (5) "The Missing…