Reports on the evaluation of a district's science fair. Describes the procedure, literature and questionnaire findings, the effects of the study, and a summary. States that as a result, changes were made in the objectives, project awards, judging criteria, and guidelines for judges. (RT)

Describes how the tapping of maple trees can be used to teach lessons in science on boiling points, density, solubility, and other sugaring projects in the curricula. Outlines activities and precautions to follow when doing this project. (RT)

Presents several fun activities and teacher demonstrations which simplify terms and condense science concepts for teaching about the lever, wedge, wheel and axle, screw, pulley, and the inclined plane. Includes objectives, materials, procedures, suggested follow-up assignments, and diagrams. (RT)

A peer review process similar to that used by scientific journals which can be applied to class work is presented. Stressed is the advantage of using peer review when writing skills are a priority but instructor time is limited. Guidelines and examples of comments are provided. (CW)

This article presents a vector-analysis approach to the classical three-point problem in hydrogeology. Problem sets involving strike and dip, and ground water flow including computer programs (in BASIC) for their solution are given. (CW)

Teaching creative thinking can be accomplished by activities in which the teacher asks questions of the students which require divergent thinking. The activities in this article do not require equipment, supplies or manipulatives. They consist of questions, possible student answers, and suggestions for follow-up. (CW)

The results of surveys of biology staff and students at Scottish universities concerning attitudes to the use of animals in education are reported. Discussed are survey methods used, the results of each survey, and bioethics in general. The staff and student questionnaires are both included. (CW)

Described is an introductory laboratory course designed to enhance basic skills required of biology majors. Discusses materials and their development, manual design, and student and instructor's roles. Outlines procedures and examples of writing, reading, and mathematics activities. (RT)

Notes that as the student progresses through school, science experiences hold a less positive view. Used are teacher interviews and classroom observations conducted to determine possible explanations. Points out that schools need to help students realize how much science affects their everyday lives. (MVL)

Presents the background, methodology and results of a controlled study of student achievement and behavior comparing a traditional teacher-centered class to one in which students participated in cooperative learning. Reports the results for academic achievement as inconclusive and on-task behavior as significantly better for the cooperative…

Describes a study designed to compare student success in a concept mapping exercise with the cognitive preference of the student, and to determine whether students achieve better using individualistic or cooperative learning modes in the concept mapping exercise. Discusses the background, methodology and results. (CW)

Presents data from studies conducted on student self-discipline and attitude toward biology. Suggests reasons for the difficulties non-biology majors experience in college biology classes. Proposes several ways that biology instructors can help their students improve their performance and attitudes in non-major biology classes. (CW)

Describes an activity that combines manual and computer simulation of a population undergoing selection using three alternative genetic models. Discusses procedures used, model and how the computer simulation works. Stresses the advantage of using the student involvement of the manual exercise in combination with the speed of the computer…

Describes a "tracing the sun" worksheet combining models with computer programs and classroom discussion. Provides the worksheet including the nine steps of the activity and several discussion questions. (YP)

From an analysis of 14 secondary student's actions and thought processes, it was found that technology's level of information affected the focus of student observations. The microcomputer group focused primarily on the graph while other groups exhibited multiple foci. The discussion data also reveal that students have three main ideas about how…