Presents a general theory of improvisation and its role in the teaching of science. Includes a definition of improvisation, a discussion of curiosity-motivated and logically motivated questions, and illustrative examples from physics. (JN)

A scavenger hunt is used as an instructional strategy during the final weeks of the school year. Procedures used, types of questions and problems asked, and student reaction are discussed. (JN)

Suggests humanizing physics classes by incorporating class-wide, local, or national contests. Several examples of this approach are offered and discussed. (JN)

Discusses: (1) inquiry science teaching; (2) characteristics of stable and fluid inquiry; and (3) using science textbooks to develop activities which reflect the fluid or tentative nature of scientific knowledge. (JN)

Describes an imaginary organism used to illustrate principles of genetics. The organism is easily drawn and suited to simple printing techniques, having been used to show independent segregation, partial dominance, linkage (sex chromosomes and autosomes), and in inheritance of autosomal gene lethal in the homozygous state. Additional exercises are…

Describes an approach for teaching with analogies in secondary science classes and gives an example using the three states of matter. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes an activity that uses paper airplanes to demonstrate natural selection and is preceded by a lesson on the fossil record to supply a foundation for the concept of evolution. (JRH)

Develops the concept of energy without using the terms heat and work. Topic areas considered include mechanical energy, internal energy, total energy, energy conservation, applications of energy conservation, kinds of internal energy, and restrictions on energy changes. Implications for teaching the energy concept are also considered. (JN)

Describes the use of a Pac-Man model (called a Pactype) in teaching various genetics concepts. Indicates that students can learn to make predictions, analyze patterns of inheritance, and evaluate hypotheses before being introduced to the genetics vocabulary. (JN)

"Take Two People" is a kit of model genes which can be made up in packs to represent people or gametes. The kit is simple to make and highly adaptable. It has been useful and effective in teaching genetics to students of low ability and little motivation. (Author/JN)

A different approach is used to develop taxonomy concepts. A traditional outline of each phylum under consideration is given to students, together with a series of questions. Students must then determine relationships within the outline by answering the questions. (Author/JN)

Suggests instructional strategies and student activities related to the study of insects during the winter. Includes possible collecting sites and classroom activities once the insects have been collected. (JN)

Reported are the results of a survey of awareness, use, and attitude of Indiana secondary school agriculture and social science educators toward soil survey reports. An analysis by teaching discipline and geographic location is presented. (CW)

Compares and contrasts the use of animals in English secondary schools and Australian high schools. Changes in animal usage in English schools over the last decade are described as are the influences that the National Curriculum in England has had on such work. Implications are indicated for Australian and English biology teachers. (Author/MKR)