Finding ways to demonstrate microscopic phenomena and contending with life science students' lack of interest in physical principles are two problems in laboratory courses. Describes a clinical laboratory test for parasite infection that can be used to effectively solve both of them. (RT)

Describes a lab investigation designed to introduce students to soil compaction and help them to learn to design and adapt procedures that scientists use when they plan and conduct controlled investigations. Provided are objectives, a list of materials, procedures, and a sample student handout. (CW)

Describes an activity designed to allow secondary students to practice pattern recognition using the proof-of-purchase scanning lines found on many consumer products. Provided are a list of materials, procedures, and student activity sheets. (CW)

Describes behaviors of the domestic cat in terms of developing students abilities to observe. Discussed are play, territoriality and pecking order, catnip, feral studies, and chasing. (CW)

Introduces a low-cost protein-testing technique using gel electrophoresis. Describes materials, manufacturing method, and experimental method. (YP)

Reviewed is the disappointing performance of the U.S. team at the 1989 International Chemistry Olympiad. Reasons for this performance and a description of the U.S. team are presented. (CW)

Advocates the use of interdisciplinary and cooperative assignments in science in order to develop students' critical-thinking skills. Discusses the importance of providing students with alternative avenues to learning in order to account for different types of intelligences. (JRH)

This paper reviews science education research conducted with students having behavioral disorders. Both textbook-based approaches and activities-based approaches were found. Guidelines for teaching science to this population are provided, such as making participation in desirable activities contingent upon appropriate behavior and providing…

Shares some of the laboratory activities and demonstrations developed in a physics classroom with the use of a video camera. (ZWH)

Describes a consumer science fair to help students develop problem-solving skills and become savvy consumers. (MKR)

Presents an activity using logic mystery stories that students solve by asking yes-or-no questions. Helps students discover the reasoning behind good questioning and provides for practice with instant feedback from the teacher. Includes sample stories. (MKR)

Describes how students in a geoscience course are introduced to geographic information systems (GIS), a computer-assisted system for the acquisition, storage, analysis, and display of geographic data, through a practical experience involving collecting data and inputting it into a GIS program called IDRISI. (MKR)

Presents an activity that uses the study of earthquakes to provide a rich educational experience to reinforce and expand students' knowledge of the structure of the Earth, provide an application of physics concepts such as force and energy, and present these topics integrated with a unit on mathematics. (JRH)

Presents a lesson, Scientific Literacy Is a Lifetime Skill, that provides thought and discussion on science as an aspect of everyday life. Uses concept mapping to help students explore from their perspective the relationship between formal science education and real-world situations. (JRH)

Describes the use of a "Rube Goldberg machine contest" to help students learn physics. (PR)