Investigates the influence of differing elementary science experiences on the interests of girls and boys in secondary school science. Attempts to link these experiences with science performance. Focuses on the elementary experience of girls and compares the sexes. (CW)

Examines secondary science textbooks for their interpretation of energy concepts. Discusses some of the confusion created by the use of the "forms of energy" approach. Advocates the use of "energy transfer" terminology. Critically examines examples of common text passages from British textbooks. (CW)

Describes a study of perceived difficulty of chemistry courses among secondary school and college students in Kenya. Concludes that organic chemistry may not be as difficult as many people believe. (CW)

Discusses some of the major research in science education published during the last 10 years in order to raise some of the methodological issues involved. Illustrates the progress that has been made along the path toward a science of teaching science. (CW)

Describes a study of student understanding of the nature of physics in Hungary before and after curricular reform in 1985 similar to Nuffield physics in Great Britain. Concludes that students taking non-science courses do not readily adopt a physical style of thinking. (CW)

Presented are four research articles and staff development activities. Included are: an activity used to stimulate discussion of the issue of balanced science; a constructivist approach to teaching electric circuits; a science grading scheme; and a discussion of priorities in science education. (CW)

Presents the mathematics of body size and surface area to volume. Examines arguments used related to the topic. Concludes that while some of the traditional arguments are valid, most are not. One analysis for an organism is provided in an appendix. (YP)

Discusses what is currently known about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including routes for the transmission of the AIDS virus, the prevention of AIDS, and some of the non-issues regarding the disease. Urges community leaders and teachers to become more involved in AIDS education. (TW)

Describes the major components of the solar system and proposes several features that a theory about the solar system should include. Contains explanations of several theories about the origin of the solar system. (TW)

Discusses the use of analogies and models for teaching about electric current. Reports on a study in which one group of students used analogies to learn about electric current and one did not. Results indicate that, in this case, analogies did not play a significant role in student understanding. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to examine students' understanding of certain aspects of heat, pressure, and evolution. Results indicated that little change was apparent over the two-year period of the study, with most of the students in the 12 to 14 age range at the same conceptual level as the 14 to 16 year olds. (TW)

Addresses several questions related to British secondary students' choices in science, particularly as they relate to gender differences. Cites several national surveys that suggest that girls tend to choose biological science courses, while boys choose physical and technological science courses. (TW)

Included in this section are articles on the following topics: science education for pupils with learning difficulties, the Engineering Council, differential achievement in early childhood according to sex, a peer tutoring program, and suggestions for involving students in recording their own achievement. (CW)

This article takes a critical look at practical work in school science and the often extravagant claims that are made for it. A case is made for a more rigorous, theory-driven approach to practical methods. (Author/CW)

Definitions for the terms open-ended, problem solving, and investigations are considered. The interaction between these terms and teaching styles are discussed. Student influences over the learning process in this type of investigation are examined. (CW)