Compares outcomes of open-inquiry and expository versions of a chemistry laboratory experiment at the university level. Investigates whether the two versions would result in different outcomes depending upon students' attitudes towards learning. Indicates that the open-inquiry version shows the most positive outcomes, and students with low…

Describes the importance of statistical reasoning in understanding modern science and critically evaluating information. Uses spreadsheet programs and the black box approach to teach basic concepts of statistical reasoning. Presents examples of the role of statistical thinking in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology.…

Explores the differences between science students' and teachers' perceptions of laboratory environments. Surveyed more than 1000 junior high school students and their science teachers in Taiwan and concludes that students are more dissatisfied with approaches to laboratory activities than their teachers. Suggests epistemological views as one of…

Describes a service learning project in the environmental sciences in which students learn about global sustainability through exploring issues such as energy and its effects on their everyday lives. (YDS)

Describes strategies for facilitating student science investigations and alleviating common weaknesses associated with student performance. Includes checklist criteria for performance on investigative tasks and an example of an assessment rubric for the investigation of the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. (Author/KHR)

Describes a teaching method using computer probeware to enhance students' laboratory experiences. Discusses the role of computer probeware in the science classroom, how probeware affects learning, and how it affects efficiency. (KHR)

Presents a case study of an unsafe situation in a science laboratory and its administrative consequences. Discusses issues related to laboratory safety and faculty evaluation. (JRH)

Authors describe the origin of practical science in English school education and trace its history up until the end of the nineteenth century. Practical work by this time was held in high esteem by most science educators and was now regarded as an essential requirement for science teaching. (over 25 references) (Author/PR)

Describes the adaptation of thermite (aluminum with metal oxides) reactions from whole-class demonstrations to student-run micro-reactions. Lists detailed directions and possible variations of the experiment. (WRM)

Internet collaboration among laboratories allows scientists to work together at a distance, and will eventually enable researchers to examine microscope-produced images simultaneously and participate in meetings and seminars remotely. If the ventures succeed, the resulting technology will allow smaller institutions to cooperate more easily.…

Describes an activity in which teams of students locate laboratory safety equipment in a scavenger hunt contest. (WRM)

Presents an inexpensive activity to stimulate student interest in biotechnology that was developed in partnership with a biotechnology company. Focuses on the use of DNA by a commercial laboratory; describing the analysis procedure; important uses of DNA technology in modern society; and ethical, social, and legal issues related to biotechnology.…

Describes an activity that reduces the biosphere to a water-filled jar to simulate the relationship between cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and energy. Allows students in high school biology and related courses to explore quantitatively cellular respiration and photosynthesis in almost any laboratory setting. (ASK)

Explains the benefits of using plastinated specimens on students' conceptual understanding. Argues for dropping the dissection component from introductory biology courses due to threatened animal populations and the high cost of providing some of the specimens. Describes how to use plastinated specimens in an investigative laboratory approach.…