Describes two-semester sequence of half-credit (two semester hours) seminars offered during spring/fall of the junior/senior years. Junior seminar emphasizes oral communication; introduces students to origins, ideas, and processes of biology; and to how biology influences values/ethics of individuals and society. Senior seminar provides…

Compared effectiveness of teacher-demonstration and self-paced modes of teaching concepts and problem-solving skills in college chemistry. Results showed the self-paced mode significantly more effective for teaching concepts and problem-solving skills. Results of an attitude test also showed that most students (N=60) preferred the self-paced…

Presented is a position statement on science preparation for preservice elementary teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. A list of recommended standards (intended to provide a framework for…

Describes 10 computer programs (available from authors), including graphics display of molecular structure, cyclohexane stereo chemistry, calculation of thermodynamics properties of chemical reactions, and others. Also described graphical display of chemical interactive programs using a programmable calculator and discusses distribution of…

Provides a brief overview and sources of more detailed information on National Science Foundation (NSF) projects investigating the use of computers in science education. Selected projects are discussed which exemplify efforts being made to improve science instruction at all levels: K-graduate, and professional continuing education for scientists,…

Lack of women participating in physics programs/study from introductory high school courses through doctoral programs is addressed. Attitudes developed by perceiving science as masculine and lack of female role models are cited as two causative factors. Recommendations for improvement at classroom, science department, secondary, primary, and…

Determines effect of a process-oriented science curriculum on students' (N=83) ability to transfer and utilize problem-solving skills, and the relation of basic and integrated processes to the development of those skills. Discusses methodology and implications for teaching problem solving, stressing the need for process-oriented curricula.…

Suggesting that the scientific community must provide leadership to improve science education, discusses various issues in science, chemistry, and chemical education and the role of professional organizations (particularly the American Chemical Society) and its members in achieving educational goals by cooperative efforts and interactions with…

Science and social science teachers (N=198) were surveyed to determine interest in interdisciplinary instruction, perception of current interdisciplinary approaches, and preferred forms for learning more about interdisciplinary instruction. Results and implications are discussed with listings of process skills identified as important and…

Explored relationships of students, teachers, and learning environment variables to science attitude. Variables found related to science attitude of all classes at grade levels four, seven, and nine were: sense of importance of science; student fatalism; teacher quality; and numerous learning environment variables. Implications for science…

Investigated attitudes of Australian elementary school student teachers (N=67) toward science and science teaching. No change in attitude was reported (using Moore and Sutman's Attitude Toward Science and Science Teaching Scales) as a result of taking a content-base science unit, suggesting more effort in fostering desirable attitudes among these…

Discusses laboratory procedures, classroom materials, and demonstrations including: a model for metallic/ionic structures; Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction; aids to teaching crystal structure; a metal displacement project; silver recovery from fixer and silver residues; iodine sublimation; nature of acids; card models for teaching bonding; and…

Outlines methodology, demonstrations, and materials including: an inexpensive wave machine; speed of sound in carbon dioxide; diffraction grating method for measuring spectral line wavelength; linear electronic thermometer; analogy for bromine diffusion; direct reading refractice index meter; inexpensive integrated circuit spectrophotometer; and…

Provides instructions for constructing a "Heath Robinson compass" and describes activities/demonstrations focusing on energy waves, opposing forces, illusory motion with paper movies, and motion of vessels in air and in water. (JN)

Points out the value of using educational games as an instructional strategy and discusses different game formats using science examples. Identifies general characteristics of simulation games and presents as an example "Little Lake," a role playing game for grades 7-12 on population growth. (DC)