Social media are a highly visible factor in the daily lives of our students. Why should teachers not take advantage of this and develop teaching and learning materials that use the designs found in such media to contextualise science learning? This article suggests some ideas for creating lab instructions using social media design as an innovative…

This description features a set of lively demonstrations and observations, including some group work, that illustrate features of Earth science such as the Earth's rotation, ocean currents, the formation and erosion of rocks, earthquakes and volcanoes. All were shown in a one-hour presentation to teachers and can readily be used in schools,…

This article looks at how space can provide a context for the teaching of STEM subjects. It explores how space fits with the new curriculum, and outlines what resources are available for teachers from the National STEM Centre eLibrary. In November 2015, the UK sends its first official astronaut into space, Tim Peake. His mission can provide a…

Developing and updating subject knowledge is an important and ongoing area of professional development. As well as formal subject-specific CPD, teachers can extend their pedagogical subject knowledge by researching and using curriculum materials. This article reviews the resources available from the National STEM Centre eLibrary to help teachers…

Provides various steps for preparing programmed instructional materials for teaching basic scientific skills to students. Author claims that programmed instruction approach is very useful and interesting for teaching skills. (PS)

Includes latest theory concerning the flight of the returning type of boomerang. Some comparisons in aerodynamics are made between returning and non-returning boomerangs. (CS)

Presents a review of a number of statistics books for use in biology classes. Most of the books are editions published in England. (RH)

Proposes that caution be used against generalities and improper terminology in the description of structure and function relationships. (CP)

Discusses symmetry elements of molecules, symmetry operations, and point groups. Gives ten examples of assigning a point group to a molecule. (MLH)

Outlined and described is Whittaker's five-kingdom system of classifying all living organisms. Advantages of this classification scheme are discussed. (CS)

Visual environment is a neglected area of study in secondary science. Investigates the structure of science classrooms, display materials used, and components of the science curriculum including information on the sex and subject specialization of staff involved with teacher trainees. (Author/YDS)

Describes various aspects of using classroom printed materials, including costs, storage, appearance and style of formats, and recommendations for student worksheets. (MLH)

Discusses the biological value of proteins in the diet and sources of protein that are better utilized by the body for growth and the replacement of endogenous losses. (BR)

Describes experiments involving variations on the electroscope, an electrostatic toy, a stationary wave machine, a spark counter, a carbon microphone, curvilinear expansion, soap films, a barber's pole, and a simple pendulum. (GS)

Ideas for elementary school teachers are proposed. Demonstration experiments include thermal conductivity of gases, wetting power of detergents, external pressure effects on boiling point of water, frequency-wavelength relations, density of hot and cold water. Other useful tips are given for protecting wall charts and making descriptive labels.…