Describes a class activity, a game called "Beware--Radiation," developed as a framework for the introduction of the topic of radiation. Reports that both students and teachers had similar and mostly wrong preconceptions. (Author/YP)

Reports on an attempt to bring about conceptual change in children's concept of speed by the teaching of the science of speed emphasizing an integrated hands-on experience. Reports that it may be possible to modify naive conceptions by teaching that targets particular concepts. (Author/YP)

Investigates how 11th graders think with respect to evolution and the development of species. Reports that the pupils have extensive factual knowledge, but have difficulty in relating these facts in coherent descriptions and explanations. (Author/YP)

Investigates Israeli students' (grades four through nine) knowledge regarding the concept of a "gas" prior to and following instruction. Reports that students do not spontaneously develop a general idea of gas prior to instruction, and only after instruction do they first acquire this knowledge. Suggests three implications for educational…

Investigates the relationship between knowledge of geometrical optics and the understanding of the phenomenon of colored shadows through adult interviews. Reports that the knowledge of geometrical optics facilitates the pinpointing of the color problem while experience with the mixing of paints may act as a barrier. (Author/YP)

Investigated were the connotative meanings of the concept "development" in respondents' cognitive structure using a free-association approach. The sample included 6th, 9th, and 11th grade students, student-teachers, and biology teachers. Reports a paucity of multicontextuality; the majority of subjects' associations referred to biology only.…

Devised is a test involving chemical examples to establish to what extent college chemistry students recognized and assessed the explanatory content of statements presented in the form of justifications. Several results are discussed. Several test items are included. (Author/YP)

Examined college students' logical reasoning ability using the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) as a major predictor of science acheivement. Reports an improvement on each of the subscale scores, and a significant correlation with four science subjects on both pre- and post-TOLT scores. (YP)

Five types of models are discussed as they relate to their function in the sciences and science teaching. These include scale, analogue, mathematical, theoretical, and archetypal models. (SA)

Discusses the naive usage of models in science, particularly in physics. Historical perspectives are presented, as well as some educational aspects of models. (SA)

Discusses why university freshmen may be deficient in mathematics and investigates methods of diagnosis and remedy. Improvement of manipulative skills is emphasized. Deficiencies due to failure to understand concepts and notation are discussed in an appendix. (Author/SA)

Describes some of the conceptual, measurement, and methodological problems associated with evaluating science curricula in terms of their impact on students' content-free cognitive outcomes. A study of the effects of including ASEP (Australian Science Education Project) materials into a seventh-grade program revealed several significant…

Describes the construction of an inventory of 12 objectives of chemistry teaching based on responses of twelfth-grade students. The analysis of the order of rankings gives an insight into what are considered the important aspects of chemistry by students and teachers. (Author/SA)

Reports a study of the correlation between intellectual development and students' understanding of scientific concepts and science processes. Results are reported concerning the reliability and validity of Piagetian or Piagetian-like tasks as measures of students' level of formal reasoning. (Author/SA)

Reports on the activities of the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) within the last 10 years and in the future. Topics include mathematics instruction, lifelong learning, environmental education at the university level, inservice and preservice education and education for the handicapped adolescent. (SA)