This paper discusses George Kelly's theories concerning ways that individuals build personal constructs of reality to interpret their experiences and illustrates how these theories could apply to science education. Teachers should encourage students to express their personal constructs; views of students and teachers should be respected. (PP)

Discusses: (1) construction of an integrated spherical reflectometer; (2) limitations of the NOAA Weather Radio Network; and (3) a simple experiment to demonstrate/measure influence of damping force on amplitude resonance. Also discusses whether or not a homemade electrophorus can lose its charge and then recharge itself. (JN)

Lasers are useful for demonstrating ray optics, especially in large classrooms where a well-defined, easily-viewed ray is essential. Described is a simple device that converts any laser to a projection oscilloscope (or laser spirograph). Suggestions for using the device (including demonstrating Lissajous figures and conic sections) are provided.…

Thirteen demonstrations using a capacitor-start induction motor fitted with an aluminum disk are described. Demonstrations illustrate principles from mechanics, fluids (Bernoulli's principle), waves (chladni patterns and doppler effect), magnetism, electricity, and light (mechanical color mixing). In addition, the instrument can measure friction…

Contends that the nature of physics has been misrepresented by blurring or ignoring important distinctions between "errors" and "discrepancies" and that dealing with these and related problems can improve students' enjoyment of labs and understanding of physics. Nature of physics, role of experiments, experimental errors, and error analysis are…

Speculates that physiological changes resulting from repeated, long-term stimulation in human and laboratory animal brains are related to short- and long-term memory processes. Describes a physiological-based model which may explain many current learning theory principles and can serve as a foundation for developing new learning theories based on…

Questionnaires were sent to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science teachers (N=100) to determine practical problems at the student/teacher/subject matter interface. Responses related to importance of content area for students and difficulty students have in learning the content are discussed. (SK)

Compared performance on Piagetian tasks to determine differences between students (N=52): (1) external subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access, and between internal subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access. Indicates access to manipulatives benefits those exhibiting externality with respect to…

Presents the full text of Arkansas Act 590 (1981) requiring balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in public schools of this state. Includes, among others, requirements for balanced treatment, prohibition against religious instruction, requirements for nondiscrimination, definitions of "creation-science" and…

Examines proposition that creationism is legitimate science, including philosophical basis of that claim and methods used to discredit contemporary scientific thought. Discusses creationist's arguments against scientific findings related to second law of thermodynamics, improbability of evolution, earth's age, geological record, fossil transitions…

Describes laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials, including "diet poker" (nutrition game); an experiment on enzyme characteristics; demonstrations of yeast anaerobic respiration and color preference in Calliphora larvae; method to extract eugenol from clove oil to show antibiotic properties; and Benedict's test.…

Describes a chemistry "pre-course" for students entering Rhode Island Junior College. The course is designed to introduce many basic scientific concepts deemed necessary before entering the first college chemistry course. (CS)

Emphasizes the importance of imagination in scientific discovery and science education and identifies three processes which increase the richness of the visualization experience: relaxing, concentrating, and seeing. Suggests topics for guided experiences and example models for earth/space, life, and physical sciences. (DC)

Reports the results of a study which investigated the relationship between learning style characteristics and left/right hemispheric preference of high school biology students (N=353). Concludes that a statistical significance exists indicating that different settings and instructional approaches are necessary to better promote learning. (DC)

Provides a general overview of humor and its use in educational settings and makes specific suggestions to educators who want to include or increase its use in their classroom. Discusses characteristics, benefits, categories, student perceptions, stages of humor, sources and forms of humor, and pacing. (DC)