The principles of magma addition and liquid layering in magma chambers can be demonstrated by dissolving colored crystals. The concepts of density stratification and apparent lack of mixing of miscible liquids is convincingly illustrated with hydrous solutions at room temperature. The behavior of interstitial liquids in "cumulus" piles…

The efforts to enlarge the awareness, scientific knowledge, and political skill of people, to promote pro-environmental attitudes and support, through the development of science/technology/society (STS) courses are described. The STS program found in the secondary schools and colleges of Quebec is described. (KR)

The forces and torques experienced by the spine are examined to understand, and possibly avoid, low back pain. The structure, degrees of freedom, forces and torques when lifting objects, an experimental study, and other factors affecting the back are discussed. (KR)

An activity that introduces students to the correct handling of bacterial recombinants, antibiotic sensitivity testing, insertional inactivation, plasmid DNA isolation, restriction endonuclease digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting, hybridization, and autoradiography is presented. A list of needed materials, procedures, safety…

Explored are ways in which spreadsheets can be used in the teaching of chemistry. Some of the limitations of using algebraic modelling tools are highlighted. Several example applications are provided. (CW)

Described is a systematic plan for implementing a national curriculum development effort in science education in Pakistan. The stages, curriculum tasks, and evaluation tasks of the six-year program are included. Implications for other developing countries are addressed. (KR)

Discussed is the use of concept mapping as a tool to enhance meaningful learning for college autotutorial biology students. Student attitudes toward concept mapping is described. The correlation between SAT scores and concept mapping was investigated. (KR)

Presented is an approach to the study of nutrient cycling in the school laboratory. Discussed are obtaining, processing, and incubating samples; extraction of ions from soil; procedures for nitrate and ammonium analysis; data analysis; an example of results; and other aspects of the nitrogen cycle. (CW)

Discussed are expert systems development and teaching, the representation and processing of knowledge, knowledge representation in chemical engineering, and expert systems in chemical engineering. The seven phases of expert system development are illustrated. (CW)

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education's Professor of the Year, Vicente Villa, is a first-generation college graduate who teaches biology at Southwestern University (California). He began his study of biology in college and provides an important role model for Hispanic-American students. (MSE)

Describes problems in teaching problem solving and summarizes research in this area. Presents Guided Design or Guided Decision Making as a problem-solving approach in which groups of students work their way through a model of the problem-solving process as they wrestle with a discipline-specific situation. (PR)

Explores how notions of community and collaboration can be applied in program to enhance appreciation/use of and interest in science, mathematics, and computers among women and people of color. Describes Minority Studies Program at St. Cloud State University which has hosted summer program to provide minority and women students with intensive,…

The ways in which the concept of acceleration is treated in physics textbooks is compared with understandings of the concept demonstrated by final-year secondary (n=30) and first-year university students (n=60). Some students' understanding are shown to be incomplete in ways that parallel misleading or inaccurate textbook treatment of the concept.…

Explains how a useful stereo image for overhead projection can be easily produced using technology available to most teachers. Red and green transparency films and red/green glasses are used to produce the three-dimensional view. (PR)

Discusses physical disabilities and laws for "mainstreaming." Presents a checklist for classroom safety for the physically disabled. (PR)