Conference news

Abstract

'Vectors in physics: origins and significance' is the title of a History of Physics Group meeting to be held at The Institute of Physics, 76 Portland Place, London on Saturday, 19 October 1996. The meeting will consider the origins of the vector concept, conceptual difficulties with vectors, and the methods of introducing them in the classroom. Further information on the event can be obtained from Mr C N Brown at the Science Museum, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD (tel: 0171 938 8046, fax: 0171 938 9736, e-mail: n.brown@nmsi.ac.uk). A British Council seminar entitled 'Science education for the 21st century: policy and practice' will take place on 15 - 24 September 1996 under the direction of Professor Edgar Jenkins, Dr J F Donnelly and C Wood-Robinson. It will examine the meaning of scientific literacy, standards and accountability, and progression and continuity. Of interest to those engaged in science education at all levels, it should attract teachers, museum staff, science education policy makers and publishers. More details are available from the Marketing Manager, International Seminars Department, The British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN (tel: 0171 389 4264). Alberta, Canada, will be the venue for the 8th symposium of the International Organisation of Science and Technology Education (IOSTE) on 17 - 22 August 1996. This will provide an international forum to discuss the latest in science and technology education research, policies and practices. Participants from over 50 countries will explore opportunities to encourage regional cooperation and promote new ideas; business and industry will be encouraged to participate along with academics and educators. More information can be obtained from 8th IOSTE Symposium, Continuing Professional Education, University of Alberta, 4-116 Education North, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G5, Canada (fax: +1 403 492 0390). This year's BA Annual Festival of Science will take place at the University of Birmingham on 8 - 13 September, and there will be the usual plethora of events ranging from the frontiers of research in astronomy and particle physics to science communication, the physics of music, the centenary of the discovery of radio and radioactivity, and artificial intelligence and chaos. Talks, discussions, exhibitions, lectures, visits and field trips will fill the programme, and more information is available from the Major Events Officer, British Association for the Advancement of Science, 23 Saville Row, London W1X 2NB (tel: 0171 973 3500, fax: 0171 973 3051).