Describes the AQA AS-level course 'Science for Public Understanding' and explains its underlying rationale. Shows how a topic-based course can be used to consolidate students' understanding of some scientific explanations and ideas-about-science in a systematic manner. (Author/MM)

Discusses the search for fundamental particles and fields of which all matter consists and the search for a unified theory of the forces with which these particles and fields interact. Topic areas include relativity and quantum mechanics, high energy accelerators, particle interactions at high energy, substructure, electromagnetic interactions,…

Described is the teaching of technology in British secondary schools. Some of the types of technology courses are described and issues and trends related to the teaching of technology are considered. (RH)

Discussed are causes of fires that occur in school science laboratories and ways of preventing them. (RH)

This section of the journal includes several short notes on science activities and materials for secondary schools. Activities and materials are included that relate to biology, microbiology, microcomputers, chemistry, and physics. (RH)

This section of the journal includes several short notes related to the teaching of science in secondary schools in Great Britain. Notes are included on ways of presenting science, rural science, designing experiments in chemistry, science for students with special needs, knowledge of the metric and imperial systems, and the use of spreadsheets.…

Presents three science education notes for British science teachers and educators. These are (1) science in general studies; (2) the problem of primary science; and (3) the development of a grade 3 science course. (HM)

Provides background information for teachers on the chemistry of flourine. Points out that it links aerosols with refrigerants, anaesthetics with fire-fighting agents, batteries with blood substitutes, and atomic energy with the steel, petroleum, and aluminum industries. (JN)

Presents perspectives on the access of females to science education and on the content of that education. Reviews efforts of the Association of Women Science Teachers and addresses concerns related to the attainment of a balanced science education for all. (ML)

Examines current philosophies and approaches to science instruction. Offers parameters for consideration in making science courses more relevant to industry, technology, and society. Contrasts two approaches to science education. (ML)

Described are the problems caused by the increased concentration of ozone in the lower atmosphere. Photochemical pollution, mechanisms of ozone production, ozone levels in the troposphere, effects of ozone on human health and vegetation, ozone standards, and control measures are discussed. (KR)

Explored is the role of thought experiments in the development of physical theories. Drawing examples from quantum theory it asks how a method that generates no new empirical data can nonetheless exert an influence upon a subject defined by its empiricism. (Author/KR)

Presents the text of the Presidential address delivered to the Association for Science Education. Presents personal perspectives on science education at all levels and indicates desired changes. (PR)

Provides a brief account of early attempts to concentrate the sun's radiation for heating purposes and reports on 20th-century attempts to do the same, including the solar furnace in the French Pyrenees. Includes a discussion of the solar constant and its applications. (DDR)