Explains an experiment in which the rotation of a patch of skin on a tadpole results in a frog with rotated spots, proving that the spot pattern is determined long before it becomes visible. Procedures used are included. (DH)

Offers suggestions and information on simplifying the construction of the Lehman seismograph. Focuses on factors related to the upper cross-piece, lower cross-piece, boom, damper, coil, and levelers. (ML)

Highlights of the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting include endorsement of a national network of "learning laboratories" designed to help restructure public education. (MLF)

A national survey of physiology, pharmacology, and surgery departments found that while laboratory exercises using animals are common, they are not universal, and that the widely available alternatives assume diverse forms, including films, computer models, lectures, readings, and clinical clerkships. (MSE)

Describes the effects (both positive and negative) personal knowledge about students has on student writing conferences. (MM)

Examines various definitions and pedagogies of critical thinking. Discusses the writing center's role in teaching critical thinking. (MM)

Asserts that tutoring in a college writing center is an effective way to train future composition teachers. Notes that this experience directly involves process teaching, provides a variety of pedagogical roles, and gives insight into the nature of writing assignments and teacher response. (MM)

Hillsdale High School, in San Mateo, California, installed the nation's first 15-computer Macintosh laboratory donated by Apple Computer, Inc. This article describes the lab and the uses to which it has been put, including computer education, word processing, preparation of student publications, and creative writing instruction. (PGD)

Assessed outcome in 10 British and American sensitivity training workshops in terms of reported self-benefit and benefit to one's relations with others not present. Found differing patterns of change between the two outcome variables, suggesting that they embody separate models of workshop learning processes. (Author/NB)

Described is the laboratory program for a second-year chemistry class at a Wisconsin high school. The laboratory stresses student-designed labs. Examples of topics considered are included. (RH)

Presented are the materials and a procedure for demonstrating the levitation of a magnet above a superconducting material. The demonstration can be projected with an overhead projector for a large group of students. Kits to simplify the demonstration can be purchased from the Institute for Chemical Education of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.…

Offers suggestions for teaching writing as a process, running a workshop classroom, teaching sentence combining, and evaluating student papers. (SRT)

Computer tools can help bring about improvements needed in our schools. This paper reviews the special contributions computers can make to education today and discusses capabilities expected in the future. (MT)

Presents a set of laboratory experiments that can assist students in the detection of carbon dioxide. Offers a variation of the supported drop method of carbon dioxide detection that provides readily visible positive results. Includes background information on carbon dioxide. (ML)

Relates information on the characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of praying mantises. Describes the distinctive anatomical features of mantids. Provides suggestions for the care and maintenance of captive mantids. (ML)