Describes an energy conservation game designed to familiarize students with the power consumption of common electrical appliances and to encourage them to become wise consumers of electrical energy. The game, which also sharpens addition and subtraction skills, is suitable for students in grades two through eight. (JN)

Explains plausible strategies for introducing biotechnology into a science curricula through a microbiology course. Teaching strategies for large mixed-ability groups are presented. Concept maps, games, activities and materials references are included. (ML)

Investigated the consequences of teacher-student cognitive style (field dependence- FD and independence- FI) matches and mismatches on student achievement in biology. Results suggest that whereas FI students may be taught by and achieve equally well with either FI or FD teachers, FD students are more successfully taught by FI teachers. (JN)

Several studies of the validity of the intensive time-series design have revealed a post-intervention increase in the level of achievement data (the "momentum effect"). Reports on the development and use of a technique to study the effect as it is observed in several data sets on the learning of plate tectonics. (Author/JN)

Summarizes advice from the Laboratory Safeguards Subcommittee of the Association for Science Education related to flames and heat, hazardous chemicals, electricity and dangerous voltages, and mechanical hazards. Knowledge is cited as the key to preventing accidents in physics laboratories. (DH)

Presents 23 experiments, demonstrations, activities, and computer programs in biology, chemistry, and physics. Topics include lead in petrol, production of organic chemicals, reduction of water, enthalpy, X-ray diffraction model, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, computer simulation for additive mixing of colors, Archimedes Principle, and…

Illinois principals (N=228) were surveyed to determine the qualities they examine when hiring mathematics and science teachers. Content area knowledge, area of certification, and personality characteristics were of higher priority than sponsoring extracurricular activities, references, and minor areas of certification. (DH)

A survey of Illinois biology teachers (N=156) indicates that textbooks are major factors in determining the teaching of ecology (relevant in teaching science/society issues and for developing environmental literacy). Data on textbooks used, extent of use, instructional methods, ecological concepts taught, environmental problems discussed, and…

As part of Hungary's Curriculum Theory Department (CTD-80) assessment, 1,543 14-year-olds were tested in the performance of science experiments in physics and chemistry. Skills included observing, measuring, hypothesizing, and drawing conclusions. Results are presented, and implications for curriculum are suggested. (GDC)

Compares and contrasts high school physics philosophies, curricula, and textbooks of early 1900s to present, indicating that current textbooks are teacher and subject-oriented, lack examples of daily life, and are highly mathematical and too abstract. Suggestions for helping students experience success and improve self-esteem (which leads to…

Describes: (1) an interactive computer simulation for a science fair display of chromatography inks; (2) analytical chemistry programs; (3) microcomputer-assisted drills in organic synthesis; (4) programs for conformation analysis of ethane and butane; (5) MOLPIX--a program for generating and displaying molecular structures; and (6) chemical…

Compared selected teacher beliefs and verbal behaviors among secondary science and mathematics teachers. Teacher beliefs included teacher responsibility for student success and failure. Comparisons were made for these categories of teachers: (1) science/mathematics; (2) junior/senior high; (3) teachers of advanced/basic courses; and (4)…

Compared the outcomes achieved by students taking biology courses based on either the revised/updated West African Examination Council (WAEC) syllabus or a WAEC-developed alternative syllabus which emphasizes relationships to agriculture, nutrition, and other practical topics. Also examined factors associated with these outcomes, including teacher…

Reports results of a 1983 national survey which determined the time devoted to teaching major physics content areas; subtopics in each area; equipment students saw and used; principle textbook used; and school/physics enrollments. Indicates that the data obtained can be used to establish guidelines in developing the Physics Achievement Test. (JN)

Discusses National Science Teachers Association plans to set up regional science teacher certification committees. Also discusses trends in science requirements and resultant certification needs and provides a rationale for science teacher control of science teaching standards. (DH)