Elaborates on a framework based on the reconstruction of developments that lead to the formulation of the laws of definite and multiple proportions. Ascertains students' views of these laws and formulates criteria based on the framework for evaluating the treatment of the laws in chemistry textbooks. Provides a rationale for chemistry teachers to…

Investigates the difficulties students are confronted with when facing the concept of electrical resistance. Discusses the nature of the electrical resistance concept in light of Cassirer philosophy and its origin in the 19th century. Presents an analysis of the way this concept is taught in French high schools. (SAH)

Elucidates some aspects of Newton's theory of light and colors, specifically as presented in his first optical paper in 1672. Analyzes Newton's main experiments intended to show that light is a mixture of rays with different refrangibilities. (SAH)

Presents an analysis of the contents of 19th century Spanish textbooks. These textbooks are centered on imponderable fluids, the concept of energy, the mechanical theory of heat, and the kinetic theory of gases. (SAH)

Describes an experimental course in optics for 10th grade high school students. The course incorporates those historical ideas, views, and conceptions that constituted the early understanding of light and vision. Presents a part of the course which assesses its impact on students' views about science and some related technological and cultural…

Discusses a way of introducing a scientific controversy that emphasizes objective aspects of such issues as multiple theoretical interpretation of phenomena, choosing a theory, and insistence on the chosen theory. The goal is to give students a better insight into the workings of science and provide guidelines for building theories in their own…

Utilizes the rich data collected in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) to unveil the current conditions of history, philosophy, and sociology of science in science education in approximately 40 TIMSS countries. Provides recommendations based on analysis results to science educators around the world. (Author/SAH)

Comments on the cultural and educational significance of an unprecedentedly reliable representation of vast regions of the natural world and a non-arbitrary public framework for understanding and furthering important areas of public concern. Influential arguments against granting a privileged role to serious science on the basis of differential…

Identifies possible sources of the complaint that the study of the history or philosophy of science could be of no value to scientists. Proposes a remedy for scientists and science teachers by way of a new principle that seeks to demarcate those elements of the history and philosophy of science that are of the greatest use to them. (SAH)

Discusses the question, How much understanding of ethics and of what kind is needed to enable useful engagement with practical issues? Discusses this question in the context of a university-level class in the area of ethical issues in biotechnology. (SAH)

Utilizes the play "Faust" to understand physics. Makes a struggle to promote the odd idea of a weightless particle. Emphasizes the fact that new ideas in physical science become more accessible, comprehensible, and familiar through dramatization. (SAH)

Part of a larger work on the history, philosophy, and utilization of pendulum motion studies, addresses the fate of Christiaan Huygens' 1673 proposal to use the length of a seconds pendulum as a universal, natural, and objective standard of length. (SAH)

Presents Newton's main ideas for the formulation of classical mechanics as given in the Principia. Discusses Ernst Mach's criticisms of Newtonian mechanics as contained in his book, "The Science of Mechanics". Analyzes the influence of Mach's ideas in the teaching of classical mechanics by considering five textbooks. Concludes that Mach's ideas…

Uses Galileo's 'jumping-hill' experiment as an historical element to improve science teaching in the classroom. Illustrates that the experiment can stimulate an animated discussion in the classroom, even if precise historic circumstances are not mentioned. The historical dimensions bring some color into the lesson, which increases attention. (SAH)

Describes the life and accomplishments of Georg von Bekesy. Discusses his educational background and research career, and describes his extensive work on the ear, particularly the inner ear or cochlea. (SAH)