The effects of cooperative learning on attitudes of students toward laboratory work were studied with ninth-grade biology students in Nigeria. It was found to be successful in developing favorable attitudes. Reasons for this are discussed. (MNS)

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

Defies the assumption that laboratory teaching skills are gained by preservice secondary science education majors through their undergraduate science programs, and presents expertise areas which every teacher should possess. Outlines activities for each skill which can become part of a methods course under the direction of science educators. (DH)

Improvements in the mechanism of the whirlybird used in the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) unit "Subsystems and Variables" are presented. Variables which can be investigated using this device are discussed. An illustration of the improved device is provided. (CW)