Describes an investigation that explores students' understanding of the translation, rotation, and deformation of an object. Findings illustrate that students have difficulty appreciating that these different phenomena can occur simultaneously. Discusses some implications for teaching. (DDR)

Describes a program for preparation of mathematics and science teachers that includes close connections between the students' science courses, their experiences in the schools, and learning how to teach. The program is a joint project of the faculties of science and education. (DDR)

Reports the comments of students in an A-level revision course in physics on being asked to draw a concept map for energy. Students' comments on the task were generally positive and related to their feelings about the task and their own learning. (DDR)

Describes a simple computer-interface experiment for recording the response of an RC network to an arbitrary input excitation. The setup is used to pose a variety of open-ended investigations in network modeling by varying the initial conditions, input signal waveform, and the circuit topology. (DDR)

Summarizes the conceptual development of the notion of force historically and suggests appropriate analogies, limiting case analyses, thought experiments, and imagistic representations that can be used in high school physics classrooms. (DDR)

Discusses the decline of the number of students wishing to continue with physics in many countries. Brings together the relevant findings of two research projects and considers the effect of changes in the school curriculum. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Argues that high school physics should be grounded in motivating contextual activities and connected to a philosophically and historically valid theoretical structure. Explains the large context problem approach and its effect on generating questions and problems. (DDR)

Describes an apparatus for demonstrating the second law of motion. Provides sample data and discusses the merits of this method over traditional methods of supplying a constant force. The method produces empirical best-fit lines which convincingly demonstrate that for a fixed mass, acceleration is proportional to force. (DDR)

Describes an interactive computer program that simulates the physiological response to graded exercise in healthy individuals. The program presents high-resolution graphic data in a form comparable to that of a chart recorder display. Data are derived from an empirical model that allows users to select parameters to investigate. The program was…

Describes a teaching innovation by way of replacing standard physiology laboratories with small group workshop tasks dealing with selected physiology problems and data. Students focus on establishing a knowledge base and solving problems relating to physiology. Initial experiences show improved student motivation and attitude, and improved…

At the introductory level, the computer provides an effective alternative to using animals for laboratory teaching. Computer software can simulate the operation of multiple organ systems. Advantages of software include alteration of variables that are not easily changed in vivo, repeated interventions, and cost-effective hands-on student access.…

Describes the use of an interactive multimedia computer program in the study of cardiovascular physiology. Scores on tests given immediately after completion of a two-hour animation program on the Cardiac Cycle and Introduction to Electrocardiography were significantly higher than pretest scores. Students who used the computer program achieved…

A summer enrichment physiology course for matriculating minority and disadvantaged medical students helped bring students to the level of average medical student performance by the end of summer. The long-term benefit of the program was evaluated by constructing a prospective expectation for each member of the medical class. (PVD)

Evaluates the effectiveness of an interactive computer-assisted learning program for undergraduate students that simulates experiments performed using isolated, everted sacs of rat small intestine. The program is designed to offer an alternative student-centered approach to traditional laboratory-based practical classes. Knowledge gain of students…

Describes a study of the impact of a nurse training program for family planning that stresses the development of nurses' counseling skills. Found an association between improved family planning training for nurses and positive changes in family planning knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among women attending Egyptian Ministry of Health clinics.…