Secondary physics students were interviewed to determine their expectations/actions in laboratory work. Results indicate preference for laboratory activities because such exercises help students remember, are less confusing, and more concrete. Use of the laboratory as an introduction to a concept, followed by discussion, was a key component to…

Determined that an instructional unit on laboratory safety could increase student safety knowledge and reduce the number of unsafe behaviors. A list of unsafe behaviors which were observed with the 333 students is included. A recommendation that positive attitudes toward safety be developed is given. (DH)

Developed and tested the Safety Simulator, a new assessment of science teachers' knowledge of school lab safety management based on Interactive Videodisc Technology. Reports that reliability of scores for the four different categories of lab safety (physical facilities, chemicals, lab techniques, and students' behavior) were found to be moderate…

Analyzes three approaches (physical, mental, combined practice) to improving freshman chemistry psychomotor laboratory skills. Although no significant differences were found between treatments, there were significant differences when each was compared to the control sections. Mental practice appears to offer an efficient methods for reinforcement…

The relationship between concept mapping and comprehension was investigated in conjunction with science instructional laboratories. Measured were student skills and aptitudes applying aptitude treatment interaction procedures to investigate interactions between a concept mapping treatment and student aptitudes. (KR)

Discussed is the elementary science teacher curriculum and its role in students' interest in science. Qualifications, teacher attitudes about science, college preparation, hands-on experience, science instruction, science method instruction, and the role of the administrator are described in terms of effective elementary science programs. (KR)