A context-based module to introduce secondary school students to the study of the optical properties of materials and geometric optics is presented. The module implements an innovative teaching approach in which the behaviour of the chosen application, in this article, the optical fibre, is iteratively explored and modelled by means of a combination of hands-on experiments and computer simulation. Focus on design aspects provides the students with the opportunity to further deepen their knowledge of the physics principles at the basis of the optical fibre functioning. Examples of hands-on and computer activities are described in detail, together with some emblematic results of students' achievements. The reported evidence suggests that context-based proposals exploiting the proposed approach have the potential to improve the teaching of some 'traditional' physics content as well as of more advanced topics.

A new procedure for performing quantitative measurements in teaching optics is presented. Application of the procedure to accurately measure the rate of change of the variable refractive index of a water-denatured alcohol mixture is described. The procedure can also be usefully exploited for measuring the constant refractive index of distilled water.

Manualisation, although to some extent controversial, is an essential requirement for outcome research in family therapy. No manuals are available for therapy of adoptive families. This paper presents the development of a manual of a therapy model with adoptive families, based on the integration of a systems approach and attachment theory. We describe the background and process of development of the manual conducted in collaboration by clinicians and a research team. Twenty-nine core elements of the model were identified and operationally defined by a focus group of clinicians. All elements except one showed good interrater reliability. The manual provides a tool to address the treatment of adopted families. Since the support to adoptive parents using a family therapy approach remains an under-researched area, a manual available to clinicians and researchers will promote outcome studies in this area and training of therapists working with adoptive families.

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