An inexpensive apparatus for demonstrating low temperature mineral synthesis in an undergraduate geology laboratory is described. (Author/SA)

The predictions for the 1980s suggest that chemistry curricula will resemble that of the 1970s. No best method of teaching chemistry is advised but rather diversity in approaches is suggested. Suggestions are given for course development by building around what is known and understood. (Author/SA)

Recommendations are given for obtaining high quality preparations of chromosomes with relatively little equipment using an improved Feulgen-squash technique. (Authors/SA)

Presents a method for microscopically examining cytoplasmic streaming in root cells, and physiologically examining the delivery of ions to the xylem exudate. The expected result does not occur and the authors believe that students learn to re-examine the assumptions, thereby increasing their skills in scientific inquiry. (Authors/SA)

This paper, presented at the conference on the role of the laboratory in physics education which was held in Oxford, England in July 1978, describes the role of the laboratory in school and university physics in Eastern Europe. (HM)

A professor discusses the advantages and disadvantages of teaching a physics class in a large research-oriented university. Various innovative teaching techniques and the ways in which they benefit the students, are presented. (SA)

Presents some introductory experiments involving the reaction between EDTA and several metal ions using metallochromic indicators. The experiments represent familiar reactions and are followed by suggestions for extension into areas of discovery work by students. (Author/SA)

Discusses use of two central forms of argument, analogy and inference to the best explanation, in teaching college science. It is argued that science makes sense if the underlying reasoning makes sense, and this must be explicitly addressed in instruction. Therefore, forms of argument that link evidence to hypotheses or theories, and criteria for…

Describes an exercise whereby a biology class used a stairway to illustrate how fossiliferous rock strata were deposited, the oldest on the bottom and most recent at the top. Each step represents a dated boundary between adjacent geological ages, and each riser is labeled as a geological unit. Geological time is compressed to 365 days. Offers…

South African experiments with an intervention in university chemistry instruction are critiqued for their poor descriptions of the method, problems with research methodology and data, reliability and validity issues, and assumptions made about application of the intervention. The intervention, Academic Support Programs (ASP), taught…

A study at a South African university investigated the mathematical reasoning ability of 314 first-year chemistry students and 69 mathematics students regarding ratios and proportions in non-chemistry-related problems. Results indicated students' mathematical readiness in these areas was only weakly linked to their previous achievement in…

Presented are the three main theories that describe the pattern of evolution of geographic variants of H. sapiens--the multiregional model, the out-of-Africa model, and the gene-flow or hybridization model. The contributions of geneticists, paleoanthropologists, and the history of fossils are included. (KR)

Discussed is an activity that allows preservice teachers to write about their own relationships with science teachers and their experiences with hands-on science activities in an autobiography. Directions, excerpts from past autobiographies, and the implications are included. (KR)

Discussed are the importance of earth science, how earth science should be taught, and when and to whom earth science should be taught. Topics which should be taught in a modern earth science course are suggested. (CW)

Errors found in a common physics experiment to measure acceleration resulting from gravity using a linear air track are investigated. Glider position at release and initial velocity are shown to be sources of systematic error. (CW)