Explains why the isolated sphere models are physically unsound. Describes an improved model for attempting a qualitative explanation of charge concentration. (YP)

Provides insight on the concept, punctuated equilibrium, in the hope of enhancing evolution education. (ZWH)

Scientific terms and names included in "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know" are analyzed and geology related terms are listed. Some items not listed are considered. (RH)

With great emphasis on global learning and the greater influx of diverse international students into the community colleges, science instructors need more than ever before to make their classrooms culturally aware. This microbiology course includes a brief introduction to the role of bacteria and micro-organisms in industry, agriculture, and…

Describes a project that introduces students to the field of biotechnology and provides them with an understanding of the basic principles and techniques as well as an opportunity to participate in experimental methodology. Presents specific science projects that deal with polymorphism in the lipase gene and the genetic engineering of a lipase…

This article gives examples of science teaching for gifted students from the Young Persons' Institute for the Promotion of Art and Science in Tel Aviv (Israel). Emphasis is on fostering curiosity and experimentation. Examples are offered in teaching about the weather, water, and light and color. A model experiment to teach electricity principles…

Discusses the lateral magnification-angular magnification relationship in the case of a simple magnifying lens. This discussion intends to show how the relationship can be treated in undergraduate optics courses as well as in many general physics courses. (HM)

Describes a high school physics teaching sequence including more modern topics. The first quarter covers cosmology, astronomy, optics, wave mechanics, relativity, gravity, and quantum theory. The second quarter covers classical mechanics. The third quarter covers electromagnetism and electronics. The fourth quarter consists of thermodynamics and…

Describes a study to determine which action potential concepts are found in high school biology textbooks, find out how these concepts are presented, and identify misconceptions about the concepts. (PR)

Presented are several uses of the theory of accelerated frames. This approach, which does not require a knowledge of variational or energy methods, is intended for undergraduate students taking a first course in mechanics. (HM)

Investigates the effect of modeling analogy on learning of the concepts of electricity in grade 6, 8, and 10. Describes 2 analogies (train analogy and thermal analogy) with diagrams and examples. Discusses the accessibility, transferability, and difficulty of each analogy. Reports treatment effect and some further implications. (YP)

Provides both a rationale and framework for Earth systems education and a description of the early development of the Program for Leadership in Earth Systems Education (PLESE). Presents the seven basic understandings that form the conceptual basis for the PLESE program. (five references) (MCO)

Uses Dictyostelium discoideum to aid in introducing cell differentiation to students. Students engage in a laboratory exercise that allows them to investigate the means by which embryonic cells choose developmental pathways. (ZWH)

Describes a study designed to determine whether experienced biology teachers would find the cooperative-learning approach beneficial in their teaching. (ZWH)

Presented are three ways in which bioactivity of organic compounds has been introduced in organic chemistry courses. One is to point out a typical bioactivity of a given functional group. A second is to discuss biorganic mechanisms. A third is to draw structure-activity correlations (SAR). (Author/HM)