Some measurements of the spectral components of planetary radiation and planetary temperatures

The object of the present paper is (1) to describe further measurements of the radiation emitted by planets; (2) to give an radiation into spectral components; and (3) to give estimates of planetary temperatures.     

The dynamics of nuclear reactions

The dynamics of nuclear reactions are surveyed on an elemental basis with emphasis upon the c.g. system of coordinate axes. Corrections are given for angular distributions, angular straggling, and thin target straggling.     

Display and interaction features of instructional texts and computers

The design of instructional texts is an area of educational technology which is attracting considerable interest, much of it centered on the display of information and on student-text interaction. This article discusses whether techniques found useful in text design can be transposed to the display of CAL materials. Each medium has its problems and advantages; at present, little is directly transferable from one medium to the other. The computer-presented 'dynamic book' concept provides an example of how to combine giving learners control over the presentation with book-style indexing and browsing.     

A meta-analysis of the effects of various science teaching strategies on achievement

This study is a meta-analysis of the question “What are the effects on achievement of different teaching techniques?” Twelve categories of teaching techniques were specified. Among these are questioning, wait-time, testing, focusing, manipulative, presentation approach, inquiry or discovery, audio-visual, and teacher direction. A coding form was then developed to allow for the uniform examination and recording of 76 variables from each study. One or more effect sizes were calculated and coded for each study. Over 300 microfilmed dissertations covering the past 30 years were examined. Some 2000 ERIC science abstracts were reviewed and suitable studies obtained. Finally, journal articles were reviewed. A total of 400 effect sizes representing 160 studies were produced. The main effect size overall was 0.34. Thus, for all samples considered the experimental science teaching techniques on the average resulted in one-third of a standard deviation improvement over traditional techniques. Mean effect sizes also were calculated for each technique. More than 20 other variables such as class size, community type, and science subject area were cross-tabulated with effect size.     

Cortes' Multicultural Empowerment Model and¯Generative Teaching and Learning in Science

Using Cortes' Multicultural Empowerment Model as a guide, and a moderate rational, realist philosophical framework (somewhat broadened by a postmodern perspective), I adapt the Cortes' model to science teaching and to Wittrock's Model of Generative Learning and Teaching in science. My goal is to develop and demonstrate a balanced multicultural approach to teaching children of different ethnic cultures about the nature of science – one that both values and teaches their cultures and beliefs, while moving them towards important mainstream notions of good science. I justify the Cortes model by comparing it to other major multicultural approaches. I then interweave Cortes' notion of multicultural empowerment with Wittrock's generative attributes, using a lesson about plants as an example. The intent is to succeed not only in having all children learn science, but also learn about science.