Describes an activity appropriate for college or high school students where they make hypotheses about prearranged patterns in a deck of playing cards. (PR)

Combines two strands: one being an exposition of the variety of explanations which are given for the phenomenon of floating; the other being the pedagogical implications which arise from the use of alternative models in science. Attention is drawn to the ethical questions that may arise when primary science seems to conflict with accepted…

Contains four articles about various aspects of science education. Addresses a graded assessment scheme in Great Britain, factors affecting school science achievement in Nigeria, the need to address differentiation in science curricula, and the encouragement of developing science hypothesis in elementary schools. (TW)

Clarifies the idea of prediction in science teaching by distinguishing between the two extremes of guessing and making logical deductions. Discusses the use of predictions in testing teachers' and students' explanations. (MDH)

Designed to use simple materials that can be found in almost any household, this document provides elementary teachers and students with activities and worksheets that deal with basic scientific concepts. The activities are intended to help students form and test their own hypotheses. Each topic in the booklet is addressed through a simple…

Presents a laboratory activity for use during the first or second week of school that engages students in the basic principles of the scientific method. (PR)

Examines children's ability to formulate testable hypotheses, both from a theoretical viewpoint and from results of a British study of responses to an assessment instrument. Addresses implications for science education and difficulties in judging whether a child has demonstrated the skill. Concludes that evidence presented by teachers about…

The purpose of this notebook is to assist educators who are designing and implementing inservice education programs to facilitate the effective use of computer integrated instruction (CII) in schools. It is divided into the following five sections: (1) Effective Inservice (a brief summary of inservice literature focused on inservice dimensions and…

Describes two interactive computer programs that simulate abstract relationships and require students to use inductive reasoning, form and test hypotheses, and analyze functions of systems and the reasoning processes required to understand them. Their development and use in college philosophy of science courses is outlined, and possible future…

Suggests that elementary school students should be introduced to science research by involving them in group projects. Argues that this type of collaborative approach is more motivating for the students, and produces less anxiety and a better understanding of the steps involved in scientific methodology. (TW)

Describes how students can make and use Hooey Machines to learn how mechanical energy can be transferred from one object to another within a system. The Hooey Machine is made using a pencil, eight thumbtacks, one pushpin, tape, scissors, graph paper, and a plastic lid. (PR)

Outlines a student research study in animal behavior to help develop students' empirical skills. The study examines the differences between male and female students in the way that they carry their school books. Reports results of one study indicating no significant difference in bookcarrying habits of men and women. (MDH)

The Scientific Theory and Method Project (STAMPS) is concerned with students' understanding of two areas of science in secondary schools. One is understanding what a scientific theory is, and the other is understanding the methods used in conducting scientific research. In the science curriculum these topics are often described as the process of…

Describes several tests for determining dominance of children's hands, eyes, feet, and thumbs. Discusses the relationship between hemispheric brain dominance and dominant sides of the body. Suggests that raising questions about generalizations can lead to new learning. (TW)