There's no better way to celebrate 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, than by curling up with a good book under summer skies. To every civilization, in every age, the skies inspired imagination and scientific inquiry. There's no better place to start your summer reading than under their influence. Here are a few selections identified by…

Students (n=161) who attended high school summer science residencies at colleges were surveyed. Quotes from respondents are provided to illustrate the impact of the residency experience on their attitudes toward scientific work. Most participants reported at follow-up that they were studying or working in scientific fields, with no significant…

Describes activities designed to give summer school students an appreciation of the value of an integrated approach to scientific investigation. (JRH)

Describes a mentoring program developed to reinforce career counseling sessions at a five-week summer institute where students learn about science, mathematics, computer science, and language arts. The program resulted in a convenient method to determine the overall institute effectiveness. (DH)

The Institute for Chemical Education (located on the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus) is offering revised and new courses for chemistry teachers and an expanded "chemistry camp" for middle school students. Teachers' courses will focus on: chemistry demonstrations; descriptive chemistry; chemistry activities; chemical instrumentation; and…

Described is a technique for fiber identification for use by K-6 students. Follow-up activities for elementary and college students are suggested. (CW)

This study consolidated observations of teachers in an institute setting designed to facilitate science learning content through performing science processes and asking questions related to self-perceived conceptual difficulties. The subjects were 11 elementary school teachers from a school district in Northeast Florida; they were enrolled in a…

Four middle/junior high school programs, winners in the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education are described. Programs focus on: (1) note-taking in the laboratory; (2) natural history expeditions; (3) environmental physical science (social and scientific ecological studies); and (4) use of teaching teams…

Discusses changes in chemistry education from 1983 to 1988. Describes the past and present situation of chemistry education. Reports on current teacher education programs. (MVL)

These modules were developed to assist teachers at the intermediate level to move away from extensive skill practice and toward more meaningful interdisciplinary learning. This packet, to be used by teachers in the summer Extended Learning Program, provides detailed thematic lesson plans matched to the Indiana Curriculum Proficiency Guide. The…

Explains the rationale, program specifics and initiatives for the preparation and development of staff, curriculum, instructional support, and research for science education in the United States. Includes total program cost for each. (RT)