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Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev (1834-1907)[In Bulgarian]
D. Klissurski
Log in to read the full textCurriculum Matters
Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards Water in 5th, 6th and 7th Grade Students
Absract. Pupils of grades 5, 6 and 7 are asked about their knowledge and attitudes concerning water as a basic factor of nature and environment. A variety of posters and multimedia presentations (147 in total), designed by students and devoted to “Water Day – 22 Marchâ€, are carefully examined. Using the content analysis method, this research seeks correspondence between the education targets, marked in the curriculum, and the cognitive results from teaching the school subjects “Man & Nature†(in the 5th and 6th grades) and “Chemistry & Environment†(in the 7th grade). The statistical analysis of the empirical results shows that teaching of the above-mentioned subjects creates a good basis for the integration of knowledge and students’ attitudes towards the substance of water.
Keywords: water, ecological understanding, environmental education, chemistry education, content analysis
A. Angelacheva, K. Kamerska
Log in to read the full textInterdiscipinary
Mathematics for Teachers and Students: Calculus [In Bulgarian]
Absract. Only four basic principles are necessary to construct the apparatus of calculus: the intuitive concept of speed in a mechanical sense, the mathematical notion of continuous functions and two remarkable mathematical limits. In this way the sets of differential calculus could be done without much effort from everyone. A proper scheme of such construction is presented in the present paper.
Keywords: higher mathematics, derivatives, Newton, Leibnitz
B.V. Toshev
Log in to read the full textTeaching Efficiency
Effects of Three Cooperative Learning Strategies on the Performance of Secondary School Students in Physics
Absract. This study investigated the effects of three co-operative learning strategies on the performance of secondary students in physics. It also examined whether the performance of the students would vary with gender and achievement levels. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two senior secondary (SSS II) physics students from two intact classes in the selected four secondary schools in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The students were in STAD (n = 48), Jigsaw II (n = 42), TAI (n = 41), and ICI (n = 38) groups. Computer-Assisted Learning Package (CALP) and Physics Achievement Test (PAT) were used as treatment and test instruments respectively. Analysis of Covariance and Scheffe test were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that there was significant difference in the performance of the groups. In addition, students’ gender had no influence on their performances. Also, achievement levels had significant influence on students’ performance in cooperative settings. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other that teachers should be encouraged to use computer-supported cooperative strategies in the classroom for teaching physics concepts.
Keywords: achievement level, gender, computer in education, STAD, TAI, Jigsaw II, ICI
I.A. Gambari, M.O. Yusuf
Log in to read the full textTeaching Efficiency
Students’ Metacognitive Self-Regulation – A Case Study: Molecular Structure Problem Solving
Absract. The purpose of this study was to determine the students’ metacognitive self-regulation in problem solving of molecular structure based on the rank of students in the upper, middle, and lower groups. This research type was exploratory by using qualitative approaches. In the study participated students who followed the school course on chemical bonds. The methodology included document analysis technics and deep interviews. Additionally triangulation technics of sources and methods were used to check the credibility of the data. The results showed that: (1) planning dimensions not only performed on the problem analysis and plan phases, but also performed on the problem solving phase. Planning activities on the problem solving phase just carried out by the upper and middle groups because these groups were more careful and thorough in considering and planning the use of prior knowledge to solve problems; (2) monitoring dimensions carried out by all group in problem-solving phase, but the upper group used their knowledge more, more carefully, and more in detail than subjects in the middle and lower group, and (3) reflection dimensions carried out by the upper and middle groups in the evaluation phase, and no reflection by lower group.
Keywords: metacognitive self-regulation, problem solving, molecular structure
B. Sugiarto, Prabowo, Suyono
Log in to read the full textExperiments
Tuning the Electronic Properties of Heterogeneous Catalysts: An Authentic Research-Based Laboratory Course
Absract. The surface properties of a material play a key role in heterogeneous catalysis. The presented experiment demonstrates tuning of the electronic properties of the catalyst by surface doping with alkali. In spite of the addition of minimal amounts of the selected promoter, its influence on the activity of the catalyst is enormous. The experiment offers not only a good opportunity to familiarize students with the procedure of catalytic tests and the work function measurements of the material, but also is the base for open ended Authentic Research-Based students’ investigations. The experiment was introduced to students of the 3rd year of chemistry who specialize in Inorganic and Structural Chemistry. It is one of the experiments performed during so-called Open Laboratory classes, which aim is to prepare students for independent bachelor research. The scientific content and method of implementation of the experiment was evaluated. An evaluation was based on questionnaire survey containing Plus, Minus, Interesting tool (PMI) and assessment of difficulty and load of work that is necessary to complete the experiment. The survey was followed by short interview about skills and knowledge gained during the experiment.
Keywords: undergraduate chemistry, research-based laboratory, heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, materials science
Paweł Bernard, Gabriela Grzybek, Paweł Stelmachowski
Log in to read the full textPersonalities in Science
Vassil Hristov Bozarov [In Bulgarian]
Absract. Vassil Bozarov’s life and contributions as a scientist and educator are briefly discussed. He worked in the field of biology education, teachers’ training, professional orientation and vocational education. As a longtime editor of the journal “Biology and chemistry†he facilitated the popularization of international and Bulgarian good practices in school teaching and learning.
Keywords: Vassil Bozarov, “Biology & Chemistryâ€, biological education, teachers’ training, vocational education
P. Bozarova, Z. Kostova
Log in to read the full textScience and Society
Need to Link the Two Crucial Contemporary Strategies – Sustainable Development and Innovative Economy
Absract. The economic development has been so far dependent on the utilization of natural resources – of areas and materials – which proceeds with much higher rates than the ecosystems could restore their inherent potential. The paper deals with the “ecosystem services†evaluation and innovative economic realization as a significant step guaranteeing the future sustainable development. The eight methods for the assessment of ecosystem goods and services and the six steps for the realization in the innovative economy are simultaneously analyzed. The national wealth, the structure of natural capital and the degree of innovativeness of the economy in Bulgaria and in 12 selected countries are comparatively scrutinized. The importance of the assessment of natural capital and ecosystem services for the sustainable development and the necessary compatibility of innovative economy with ecology as well as its possible role for the maintenance of natural capital are discussed. The concept for the „ecosystem services assessment“ and „ecologically compatible innovative economy“ as two of the sides of the overall strategy of sustainable development are proposed. The concept alone can ensure the implementation of the „paradox“ for simultaneously economic development and environmental protection.
Keywords: sustainable development, innovative economy, green economy, yellow economy, ecosystem services, ecological biotechnology
M. Lyubenova, G. Gushlekov, A. Assenov
Log in to read the full textNew Information Media
Availability and Teachers’ Awareness of the Existence of Software Packages for Developing Physics Instruction for Secondary School Students in Minna, Nigeria
Absract. Students’ performance in Secondary School Physics Examinations has been unsatisfactory in Minna, Nigeria. Some of the reasons adduced to such poor performance are teachers’ lack of awareness and incompetence in the utilization of appropriate instructional media and tools. This investigation was therefore carried out to determine the level of awareness of physics teachers on the existence of computer software packages for developing physics instruction for secondary school students in Minna, Nigeria. The study also investigated whether these software are available at physics teachers’ disposal in secondary schools in the area. Purposive sampling procedure was employed to select a total of 93 physics teachers from 53 secondary schools in the study area. A questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the samples based on 22 electronic software packets that are adaptable in the development of secondary school physics instruction. The questionnaire was validated by two instructional systems design specialists, two physics education experts and two test and measurement experts. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, it was administered twice on 10 physics teachers within the population of the study and a reliability coefficient of 0.89 was obtained. Data gathered from the study were analyzed using percentage and report method. Findings revealed that only 13.87% of the teachers are aware of the existence of computer software packages that can help them develop instruction. Also, findings revealed that only 8.02% of the teachers responded that they have these software packages available at their disposal in their respective schools. Based on these findings, it was recommended that in-service training in form of workshops should be organized to improve and update physics teachers’ awareness and competence in the use of software packages; relevant government and school managers should equip schools with required software packages and other technological tools that can assist physics teachers in the teaching of their subject in order to improve students’ performance in physics; practical activities that bother on utilization and application of software packages for developing physics instruction should also be inculcated in the curriculum of teachers in training.
Keywords: availability, awareness, computers, software, instruction, physics
Оluwole Caleb Falode, Nasir Adewale Ajala
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Living Nature (Z. Boev, 2012) [In Bulgarian]
Absract. The encyclopedia “Living Nature – Mammals†gives correct information about the mammals – their taxonomy, origin, distribution, newly discovered animals, rare animals. The text is accompanied by over 200 color illustrations, prepared by the artist G. Pchelarov. The author, Professor Zlatozar Boev, is an eminent scientist with a position at the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia.
Keywords: encyclopedia, mammals, color illustrations
B.V. Toshev
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Recent Papers on Misconceptions in Teaching and Learning of Science
Absract. A list of selected papers on the misconceptions in science teaching and learning is presented. The papers are published in 2012 and 2013. It is expected this thematic bibliography to help the reader to realize the need of minimization of the false information in the school textbooks and manuals.
Keywords: misconceptions, misunderstandings, bibliography
B.V. Toshev
Log in to read the full textScience Fiction
With Rocket Grenade to the Moon in the Year 3000 AC. 2 (1929) [In Bulgarian]
B. Burgel
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