Focuses on hurricanes and tsunamis and uses these topics to address other parts of the science curriculum. In addition to a discussion on beach erosion, a poster is provided that depicts these natural hazards that threaten coastlines. (DDR)

Provides examples of ways to use the television show "Scientific American Frontiers" in the classroom. Outlines a range of approaches and discusses some motivational techniques to engage students. (DDR)

Argues for the use of instruments in introductory level chemistry and presents multiple perspectives on the issue. Reasons for employing instrumentation include the ability of introductory classes to reach a large number of students, the need to model situations in which scientists work, and student expectations regarding the use of technology.…

Outlines the aims and principles underlying recent reforms in the junior school physics course in China. Focuses on developing students' abilities and the benefits of experimentation rather than the simple transfer of knowledge from teacher to students. (DDR)

Presents a case study of the teaching of an environmental issue in the physical science curriculum at a Dutch secondary school. Focuses on the interaction between the development of the teaching unit and its use in classroom practice from the student perspective. (DDR)

Describes the development and evaluation of a pilot package as a prelude to the production of a series incorporating the use of puppets in video, comics, and print materials for primary science. Explains that science educators perceive the package as enrichment rather than as curriculum materials. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

The use of students' out-of-school experiences in science education is part of a wider problem related to the relevance of science in society. States that relevance in science education has not been systematically studied. (DDR)

Discusses the conceptions of constructivist teaching within the context of debates on constructivist research in science classrooms. Argues that critical constructivism should replace constructivist teaching. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Seeks to justify the inclusion of meteorology within the science curriculum. Reflects upon the nature of science and some current issues in science education, and examines the reality of including meteorology within worldwide science curricula. Contains 37 references. (Author/DDR)

Explains how peer review is incorporated into the undergraduate research lab as part of an ongoing effort to develop the oral and written communication skills of chemical engineering undergraduates. (DDR)

Describes a cross-curricular mathematics and physics course offered at Kanazawa Technical College in Japan. The course facilitates students' understanding of the connection between mathematics and physics through hands-on activities. Outlines the advantages of the cross-curricular approach, including students' increased levels of interest in…

Presents background information on the method used by Hipparchus to determine the distance between the earth and the moon. Describes student activities that employ Hipparchus's Method and Aristarchus's Method for determining the relative distance of the sun and the moon from the earth and Eratosthenes's Method for finding the circumference of the…

Describes a study of General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) science students (n=50) in which each student was interviewed 3 times throughout the school year. Interviews probed student attitudes toward science and analysis of the data explored the effectiveness of the grading criteria, a portfolio-based assessment tool. Results indicate…

Describes how two middle school science teachers approached the integration of interactive videodisc into their science teaching and curriculum. (Author/MKR)

Explains how to transfer a relevant written article into a learning activity involving active role play. Enables the development of critical thinking skills and helps to humanize science by highlighting its importance in everyday life. (DDR)