Investigative reporting on environmental issues requires technical knowledge and often the adoption of controversial stances on the issues. Discussed are the problems created by both aspects of this type of reporting in relationship to developing adequate news coverage. (JP)

Describes the method for verifying the accuracy of the shadow-stick method of determining east-west line with the shadow of sun. Description is also included for determining South by using a watch-shadow method. (Author/PS)

Reports an investigation which shows the socio-economic status of school board members and explodes valued myths about public education. (DM)

Using syringes, a hydraulic press was constructed and mechanical advantage and efficiency were calculated. (CP)

Three investigations are reported which indicate that infants between 4 and 17 weeks of age are able to detect some differences in sounds upon which phonemic contrasts are based. (Authors)

Recounts the way a high school newspaper staff used teamwork in investigating child labor law violations, writing news stories about the situation, and participating in airings of the issue for local and national television programs. (GT)

Presents a long-term investigation designed to provide practice for students in thinking in a scientific manner about a real problem--the impact that waste products may have on soil. Focuses on student questions that have some connection to the local community. (JRH)

Considers the nature and extent of bias toward experimentation and against correlational studies. Argues for the use of correlational studies and describes a field-tested approach to enabling students to direct open-ended investigations of this type. (45 references) (JRH)

Suggests ways in which teachers can help students learn investigation and problem-solving skills on open investigation tasks. Includes matching the degree of openness of the investigations to the experience and skills of the student, providing scaffolding to support student decision making, and using formative and student self-assessment. (JRH)

Addresses how administrators should investigate sexual harassment complaints. When conducted properly, the investigation process will resolve the claim fairly and reduce the likelihood of further harassment and the risk of litigation. Administrators should keep a file of all complaints, investigate thoroughly, conduct interviews properly, make…

Examined child protective services (CPS) screening practices in 12 sites from 5 states to identify factors predictive of the decision to investigate a report. Found that only 66% of all reports making specific allegations of maltreatment were investigated, while only 70% of all reports making specific allegations of injury were investigated. (MDM)

Presents experiments that avoid using mercury by using pressure transducers to investigate the gas laws. (Author/JRH)

A total of 637 cases of unattended or questionable deaths of children 12 years or younger in Orange County (California) were reviewed by a multiagency team investigating possible cases of fatal child abuse. Analysis revealed that, when compared with unreviewed deaths, differences were found in age distribution, gender, ethnicity, and cause of…

This study attempted to verify the validity of allegations of sexual molestation obtained using facilitated communication from two adolescents with autism. The study, using unfamiliar but experienced facilitators, found that no reliable communication occurred via facilitated communication, with both subjects' responses being essentially random and…