Discusses findings regarding the academic backgrounds of students taking algebra-based physics. Four areas were examined: (1) performance in math courses; (2) high school physics background; (3) community or junior college experience; and (4) science education majors. Suggestions for improving the academic performance for students in these areas…

The ideological basis from which dissection activities spring is discussed. Speciesism, the widely held belief that the human species is entitled to certain rights and privileges, is examined as the cause for dissection activities occurring in biology classrooms. (KR)

Describes a term paper assignment where students are allowed to pick a topic that interests them based upon the course focus and course format. Authors have found that, if students are interested in a topic and it is relevant to them, some of the onerousness that students associate with writing can be significantly reduced. (PR)

Describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by the Biology Critical Thinking project (BCT). Presents the project guidelines for developing activities, a list of skills selected as goals of BCT, instruments used in determining effectiveness of the activities, results of the pilot study, and a sample activity involving vitamins. (MDH)

Provides a summary of atmospheric science resources available to help science teachers develop up-to-date units on weather. Resources include activities of professional organizations involving radio, television, printed materials, inservice workshops, and telecommunications resources. (MDH)

Special science and mathematics programs available to students at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel are described. The Summer Science Institute, mentor programs, screening procedures, science clubs, an outdoor interactive science museum, science fairs, mathematics olympia, a "mathematics by mail" program, and the International…

The implementation and results of the use of videotapes in introductory biochemical engineering classes are discussed. The topics of the videotapes and the results of a questionnaire about this instructional method are presented. (CW)

Many students are deterred from science because of the way science courses are packaged. To find out what makes science hard for intelligent students, the author employed nonscience faculty and graduate students as surrogate students in science. Their responses to the sequence of the units, demonstrations, homework assignments, examinations, and…

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to introductory biology using a learning community model that addresses many of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) and Sigma Xi's objectives in the teaching of introductory science courses. (PR)

Explores how changing curriculum and teaching techniques may lead to different composition of pool of scientists who hold slightly modified theoretical perspective. Presents seven-stage spiral model for transforming mathematics and science teaching, in which each stage fuels change in next stage, moving toward more accessible, varied, and humane…

Describes the software HyperCard for the Macintosh computer. Explains how it can be used as an information presenter and information expander. (PR)

Describes the Russian approach to integrated science education and discusses new ideas that Russians are working on. (PR)

There is a need for research that depicts better-differentiated social contexts for science education in their full complexity. Social scientists have developed a promising model for research in context. Three critical conceptual and methodological strands of the model are discussed, along with their implications for science education research.…

Traces the practice of relating academic science with the life world of the student to the 1600s. Focuses on identifying elements of a curriculum framework and cognitive strategies that seek to prepare students to be productive citizens in the world. Contains 37 references. (DDR)

Describes a physics-curriculum project that utilizes hypermedia and an historical, conceptual approach. Argues that textbooks are often boring and are inadequate tools for student learning. Contains 32 references. (DDR)