This paper discusses the basic concepts of reflection and its related concepts in optics. It aims at providing examples on how to apply the principle of reflection in geometry. Explorations of the concepts involved via dynamic geometry software are also included.

Information related to the history of optics with emphasis on the classical and medieval periods is presented. Notes are included on experiments dealing with refraction at a plane interface between two media; refraction by transparent spheres; light, color, and reflection by transparent spheres. (Author/SA)

The life and work of Isaac Newton and his investigations of light and color are described in detail. Notes include preliminary observations of chromatic dispersion; dispersion by an equilateral prism; the "Experimentum Crucos" or the composite nature of white light; the nature of colored light and illumination; transmissions and…

Presented is information related to the life and work of Charles Coulomb as well as detailed notes of his measurements of the distribution of electricity on conductors. The two methods that he used (the large torsion balance, and the timing of "force" oscillations) are described. (SA)

Presented is a review of three methods for evaluating the effects of laboratory work in high school science instruction. The report focuses specifically on evaluating student performance, what aspects are to be evaluated, and how to evaluate. A table is given of some of the limitations and benefits of each of the assessment procedures. The authors…

A demonstration of how colors may be specified for use by all those trades and professions involved in building science. This is of vital importance in furthering the use of color, not only in structures but in every other aspect of our daily usage. Free enterprise requires a color language in order to expand the use of color, and to allow for…

This paper examines the relationship of educational goals to some fundamental beliefs. Four research findings judged as well-substantiated but not yet having full effect on educational thinking were considered: (1) The breadth and magnitude of human capacities and resources far exceed present levels of actualization within persons or societies;…

This exhibit was developed through an interactive display against a traditional phenomenological approach. The research report addressed in this paper focuses on informal science learning and points out the need for analyzing the large-scale data gatherings of museums and their visitors. The paper addresses the methodology involved in…

Assessment, when integrated with instruction, can provide a basis for restructuring science education. The National Science Education Standards are incorporated into this guide to assessing student understanding in science. Chapters include: (1) "Assessment Based on Six Domains of Science," which organizes an assessment framework for…

This paper reports a conversation about what constitutes the nature of science (NOS) and what are the best ways to prepare teachers to teach their pupils to understand what it is. The study explores the effects of the explicit teaching of the nature of science in a science education course with a pedagogy component on preservice teachers'…

This paper investigates the perceptions of scientists and their awareness of issues, goals, and beliefs related to gender and ethnicity in science and questions the curriculum, classroom management, and teaching strategies of instructors. The study examined 18 science faculty members' perceptions in a professional development seminar series and…

This study assesses the influence of a set of activities developed based on preservice elementary science teachers' conceptions of the nature of science (NOS). It also compares the effectiveness of these activities when implemented using two approaches. The first approach was a direct explicit approach while the second featured additional…

Science has many explanatory concepts that have been proposed to account for the observable features of things. Such explanatory concepts often have associated with them hidden or unseen "theoretical entities." The electron is a key concept in understanding phenomena described by science. The question arises, however, as to how students…

The purpose of this study was to identify and explore values and views that might underlie an essential ethic for teaching science in the new millennium. With such an ethic, teachers may be better able to prepare young people to form and fully participate in communities that restore and sustain Earth. Reviewed in the literature for this study were…

Elementary teachers must make thousands of decisions about their teaching practices every day. From whom should they first seek a response? Who should be asked the next question? Will the students be in groups for this activity or do it alone? While many science educators have clear visions of strategies they should employ in science classrooms,…