Describes a microcomputer program that can be used in teaching the basic physiological aspects of acid-base (AB) balance. Explains how its game format and graphic approach can be applied in diagnostic and therapeutic exercises. (ML)

Discusses the need to consider students' pre-existing conceptual schemes when teaching chemistry. Reports on a study done in Spain which indicates that the existence of adolescents preconceptions about gases is important to consider when teaching the principles of conservation of substance, mass, and weight. (TW)

Discusses the need to develop laboratory practical examinations in chemistry which attempt to measure students higher order thinking skills and conceptual understanding rather than simply their laboratory skills. Examples of examination questions being used in general chemistry laboratory courses at the State University of New York at Cortland are…

Describes a chemistry experiment where an alkaline ice-cold permanganate solution is reduced by adding dropwise a cold diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Outlines the course of the reduction through the various oxidation states of manganese with their characteristic colors. (TW)

Outlines an approach to chemistry experiments designed to help students appreciate the importance of each step in an experimental procedure. Describes an experiment involving Charles's Law to illustrate this idea. (TW)

Reviews the purposes, underlying assumptions, and curriculum development model for the United Kingdom's "Children's Learning in Science Project." Explains the general features and phases of the constructivist approach to learning that the program advocates. Identifies theoretical developments on children's ideas, the constructivist view…

Describes an undergraduate biochemistry course required to be taken by all students at Beijing Medical University. Provides the outline of the lectures and the specific content areas covered by them. Stresses the need for students to know the biochemical literature and to think scientifically. (TW)

Discusses some of the problems associated with requiring a highly structured set of laboratory exercises in undergraduate biochemistry courses. Describes a program where students perform short-term independent projects after completing experiments which introduce basic concepts and techniques. Provides lists of the experiments and some typical…

Describes a program for sixth grade students developed by the Methacton School District (Norristown, PA) Planetarium staff. Provides brief outlines of eight teaching units designed to provide students with hands-on activities in astronomy. Includes a reproducible worksheet for an activity which involves students in creating and decoding…

Provides background information on how scientists have learned about the history of the Earth, including studying fossils, dating rocks, and tracing geological movements. Included are teaching activities about prehistoric animals, state fossils, tracing animal movement and evolution, and discovering fossils. Contains reproducible handouts and…

Provides background information on the many natural resources we extract from the earth's crust, including metals, graphite, and other minerals, as well as fossil fuels. Contains teaching activities such as a geologic scavenger hunt, a geology chronology, and the recycling of aluminum. Includes a reproducible handout for the activity on aluminum.…

Provides a partially annotated bibliography pertaining to the teaching of geology at the elementary school level. Included are general reference books, field guides, children's books, audio-visual materials, booklets, kits, maps, posters, computer courseware, and an index of geology-related articles appearing in past issues of "Ranger Rick"…

Suggests how simple hikes can be integrated into the elementary school curriculum. Presents nine topic areas that can serve as themes for schoolyard hikes. (ML)

Describes a six-week program designed to give scientists from developing countries advanced training in biotechnology methods. Stresses the need to provide the participants with "hands-on" experiences to enhance their ability to contribute to biotechnology programs in their home countries and to train others locally. (TW)

Explains the convergent and discriminant validity of two tests of science process skills with two tests of formal reasoning ability. Reports test results from elementary education majors and discusses the tests' intercorrelations. Implications related to instruction are analyzed. (ML)