Discusses the advantages of using discrepant events in elementary school science classrooms in terms of motivation and problem solving skills. Describes the materials, procedures, and reasons behind five discrepant activities. (YP)

Presents teacher comments on audiovisual materials dealing with: biotechnology applications in immunology, agriculture, and cancer research; efforts to halt the eutrophication of Lake Tahoe; and banana slugs. Availability and costs of materials are included. (RT)

An overview of the basics of computers is presented. Definitions and discussions of processing, programs, memory, DOS, anatomy and design, central processing unit (CPU), disk drives, floppy disks, and peripherals are included. This article was designed to help teachers to understand basic computer terminology. (CW)

Describes the ENLIST Micros program and manuals based on results of a national needs assessment. The program name came from the object of the program to ENcourage LIteracy of Science Teachers in the use of Microcomputers. Listed are 18 objectives for training materials and 12 appendices. (YP)

Describes the National Sea Grant Program and eight types of education programs. Examines funding patterns from 1976 through 1987. Assesses current status of education within the Program using a director's survey. Discusses some implications for science educators. Provides the conceptual scheme for aquatic studies and a directory of the programs.…

Examines the grade-level, gender, and intellectual ability differences in attitude toward science and scientific knowledge. Reports significant differences between average and gifted students in attitude toward being a scientist, usefulness of science, and in knowledge of science. Finds that gender does not have a main effect. (Author/YP)

Studies the use of computers in elementary schools as reported by principals in a survey. Discusses the survey instrument and its topics. Reports findings on drill and practice, learning new material, simulations, and problem solving. (MVL)

Compares achievement effects and time-on-task generated for computer and non-computer versions of essentially the same game. Notes that students followed different rules for the same game and pace was faster for computer versions. Reports transfer of instruction may not be complete. (MVL)

Presents a brief overview of the area of attitude research in science education. Highlights the need to evaluate students in relation to the affective domain. Discusses evaluation techniques, problems associated with evaluation, and some existing instruments and their associated limitations. (CW)

Delineates a concept of scientific literacy as it relates to the Nigerian situation. Examines the relevance and implications of scientific literacy to the educational system and national security. Suggests how scientific literacy can be encouraged through science programs, especially in elementary science education. (YP)

Examines whether participation in physical experiments together with social interaction with adults and school-mates favor the development of causal knowledge and the understanding of a complex physical subject. Concludes that the treatments can lead students to give up pre-causal explanations and to resort to physical ones. (Author/YP)

The harmful effects of smoking tobacco are discussed. Instructions, lists of materials, and discussion questions for three activities to investigate these effects are provided. A glossary of tobacco-use terms is given. (CW)

Reports on a qualitative study of teaching-learning by analogy that explores whether fifth-grade students' successful use of analogy in learning science was related to their understanding of a specific analogy; their metacognitive awareness of how the analogy was to be used and of the changes produced in their conceptual structures. (57…

A springtime forest probably contains over 100 shades of green. Describes outdoor observation activities that let the children monitor tree and plant growth. (PR)

Reports on a project that provided preservice elementary teachers with experiences designed to increase their background knowledge of science, and to encourage them to teach science. An interactive science center and an outdoor field study center in Australia were chosen as venues for hands-on teaching experiences. (LZ)