This work is an attempt to see how physics undergraduates view the basic ideas of general relativity when they are exposed to the topic in a standard introductory course. Since the subject is conceptually and technically difficult, we adopted a "case studies" approach, focusing in depth on about six students who had just finished a one semester…

Determined: (1) whether students thought of magnetic poles as exerting forces directly on electric charges and (2) the specific strategies students used to make predictions about the forces acting on electric charges in two problem situations. Implications for instruction are considered. (JN)

Summarizes current developments in alternative frameworks research in science education. Covers concept maps, learning as conceptual change, classroom strategies, problem solving in physics and where research should be going. (CW)

Describes three case studies of the use of the Learning in Science Project (Energy) in New Zealand. Themes discussed include systems undergoing change, defining initial and final conditions, energy as a nonmaterial factor of change, forms of energy and conservation of energy. Mentions other issues and research. (CW)

Describes research findings concerning children's difficulties with the concepts of circuit, current, and electrical energy. Discusses some possible approaches to instruction. (CW)

Models the ideas of children's misconceptions and subsequent acceptance of conventional scientific thought on the simple cusp of catastrophe theory. Demonstrates one theory of the forces which are necessary to change a misconception to a scientific concept. (CW)

Discussed are technological advances applying computer techniques for image acquisition and processing, including digital radiography, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Several diagrams and pictures showing the use of each technique are presented. (YP)

Discussed is a radionuclide imaging technique, including the gamma camera, image analysis computer, radiopharmaceuticals, and positron emission tomography. Several pictures showing the use of this technique are presented. (YP)

Described are developments in medical electronics and physiological measurement. Discussed are electrocardiology, audiology, and urology as mature applications; applied potential tomography, magnetic stimulation of nerves, and laser Doppler flowmetry as new techniques; and optical sensors, ambulatory monitoring, and biosensors as future…

Described are applications of computers in the field of medicine, including patient monitoring, patient treatment, patient imaging, patient therapy, and rehabilitation. (YP)

Described are the characteristics of the laser and its effects on the body. Discussed are examples of laser treatments, including angioplasty, ophthalmology, and dermatology. A discussion of lasers of clinical interest and their applications is presented. (YP)

Discussed are medical applications of ultrasound. The physics of the wave nature of ultrasound including its propagation and production, return by the body, spatial and contrast resolution, attenuation, image formation using pulsed echo ultrasound techniques, measurement of velocity and duplex scanning are described. (YP)

Surveys British people over age 15 with the purpose of assessing the level of scientific knowledge among the public. Discusses the relationships between highest level of formal education, sex, and the answers given to questions. Illustrates how little school science instruction is remembered into adulthood. (CW)

Proposes a mathematical computer model for the behavior of liquids using the classical dynamic principles of Sir Isaac Newton and the molecular dynamics method invented by other scientists. Concludes that other applications will be successful using supercomputers to go beyond simple Newtonian physics. (CW)

Reports the attitude change of physics PGCE students in England and Wales, including positive features toward a teaching career and major problems to be faced by a new physics teacher. Discusses the types of schools and subjects students would prefer to teach. (YP)