This research assessed Australian high school students' understanding of light, developed materials to conceptual change with respect to the concept, and evaluated the effectiveness of teaching strategies utilizing the materials. After instruction, students were able to construct significantly more scientifically acceptable answers. An appendix…

Describes a Russian approach of using literature to make physics instruction more interesting and attractive to students. (PR)

Presents a problem-solving activity in which students determine the effects on the water level in a pool when rocks are removed from a boat floating in the pool and placed into the water. Students discuss the problem, design an experiment to test solutions, conduct the experiment, and draw conclusions. (MDH)

Analyzes the applicability to mathematics and science education of geographic information systems. Gives examples of possible applications involving aerosol detection in the atmosphere, verification of satellite images, and the Kidnet Project. Sketches out a research agenda and describes needed characteristics of the software when applied to…

This article aims to encourage the development of safe, valuable and scientifically sound field investigations, and offers suggestions or guidelines for your people participating in environmental work on expeditions to areas in the northern United Kingdom. (Author/MDH)

Describes the use and benefits of using videotaping in a preservice education program. (PR)

A guide for teachers and librarians covering over 50 Spanish-language books that introduce children to various animals; the world around them; colors, shapes, and numbers; the universe; basic science concepts; and the process of conception, pregnancy, and birth. (MDH)

Describes the Houston Elementary Science Alliance. This program uses medical school resources and personnel to provide elementary school science teachers with scientific information and hands-on activities that stress the doing of science and develops teachers to serve as a resource for their colleagues. (MDH)

Describes a kit designed as a leisure time activity for teenagers and adults who have had little previous experience of magnetism and electricity. The kit may be useful for homework, small group work, or as a training course for nonscientist science teachers. (PR)

Provides instructions for making telescopes. The design and instruction sheets given to students are provided. (PR)

Clarifies the issues of animal rights as they effect animal use in research and education through an examination of the current use of animals, a historical look at animal use, and a consideration of the philosophical underpinnings of the animal rights and pro-use viewpoints. (PR)

Describes a contest where sixth-grade students observe the results of a week of planning, folding, testing, and comparing their best paper frog designs and hopping techniques. This integrated unit helps children unleash their imaginations and develop problem-solving skills. (PR)

Provides a poster containing activities that are part of the International Space Year. Describes activities in which students visit a local planetarium and re-create a National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) space flight using reports, articles, NASA slides, and videos. Lists organizations, publications, and other resources related to…

Describes a collaborative natural history class/science club program designed to offer science-oriented students the chance to expand their classroom knowledge of camping skills, first aid, environmental awareness, and survival techniques by participating in hands-on environmental activities. (MDH)

Explores the potential for and limitations to learning science when middle-school students interact with computer simulations designed by scientists and built by professional programmers. Findings suggest that computer simulations can be used effectively when teachers use learning needs to guide choice of pedagogical style and alternate…