The 1969 version of "The Italian Job" is used as context for teaching turning forces and introducing or enhancing the understanding of equilibrium and Newton's Third Law of Motion. A Harrington Legionnaire coach is used as the getaway vehicle for a gold heist and the film ends on a genuine cliffhanger, with the rear half of the coach…

This article describes the conversion of a lecture-based molecular biology course into an active learning environment in a studio classroom. Specific assignments and activities are provided as examples. The goal of these activities is to involve students in collaborative learning, teach them how to participate in the learning process, and give…

The necessity of incorporating both theory and practice in translation an interpretation pedagogy has always been emphasized by trainers at translation and interpretation departments. Situated learning activities, as most scholars agree, are environments where students can achieve deep learning by putting theory into practice. The view presented…

Provides a running commentary on a chemistry instructor's first day in a first course in chemistry. Focuses on the use of fire and chemists' attempts to explain this phenomenon. Provides the ongoing descriptions of the experiments, a summary of the observations, and the key comments made by the instructor. (TW)

One of the goals of science education is to foster critical and scientific thinking skills. However, if the meaning of the terms "thinking critically" or "thinking scientifically" is not clear, these phrases will become vacuous slogans beyond translation in teaching methods and curriculum materials. Therefore, the fundamental aspect of these terms…

Explores how changing curriculum and teaching techniques may lead to different composition of pool of scientists who hold slightly modified theoretical perspective. Presents seven-stage spiral model for transforming mathematics and science teaching, in which each stage fuels change in next stage, moving toward more accessible, varied, and humane…

Discusses the use of logarithm and reciprocal graphs in the college physics classroom. Provides examples, such as electrical conductivity, reliability function in the Weibull model, and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation for latent heat of vaporation. Shows graphs with weighting of points. (YP)

A series of classroom practices and techniques are provided to help classroom teachers overcome their anxiety in teaching science. Chapter 1 (Fearing the Unknown) focuses on reasons for teaching science in elementary grades, science processes, characteristics of inquiry, questioning and inquiry, and using small groups. Chapter 2 (Managing…

Reports that a conference for professional chemists, educators in chemistry, and students was held to explore the issue of teaching chemistry to handicapped students. The ideas generated from the participants are intended to be used in preparing a manual of guidelines. (Author/SA)

Presents the text of the Presidential address delivered to the Association for Science Education. Presents personal perspectives on science education at all levels and indicates desired changes. (PR)

Describes the LabNet project that has three interrelated goals: (1) encouraging the use of student projects to enhance science learning, (2) building a professional community of practice among high school science teachers, and (3) exploiting the potential of today's new technologies. (PR)

Describes personal experiences of a participant in the National Science Foundation program, Teachers Experiencing Antarctica. Uses the study of the temperature history of Taylor Dome to provide teachers with the experience of research and help other teachers recognize that there are opportunities outside the classroom for personal and professional…

Describes the structure of and principles behind the Levitron. This toy can support a small magnet stably in midair using only permanent magnets. (JRH)

A global survey was conducted by Unesco in 1986 on the place occupied by the teaching of science, mathematics, and technology, with the data indicating that mathematics and science are firmly entrenched in school curricula worldwide, but the place of technology is much more tentative. It was decided to probe more deeply into the adequacy of these…

A global survey was conducted by Unesco in 1986 on the place occupied by the teaching of science, mathematics, and technology, with the data indicating that mathematics and science are firmly entrenched in school curricula worldwide, but the place of technology is much more tentative. It was decided to probe more deeply into the adequacy of these…