Identifies from the literature some of the diverse roles that second-level biology courses serve within a school curriculum, discussing factors that may explain the current status of these courses. Course types include college preparatory, minicourses, biologic techniques, societal issues, career awareness, and courses for terminal students. (JM)

Presents a literature review on science teacher supply and demand. The review is in three sections: (1) background information, including events leading to the current crisis; (2) supply and demand factors; and (3) studies of teacher supply and demand in New York, Missouri, and Washington. (JN)

Describes information-processing research, showing how computer models are used to explain thinking and how information processing approaches can be used systematically. Clarifies why students find factor-label method so difficult to master and discusses guidelines and suggestions for using information-processing ideas. (JM)

Discusses findings from a questionnaire survey of 622 biology teachers on: (1) how accurately they can judge readability of instructional materials; (2) what factors they consider when judging readability levels; and (3) if they considered differences in students' reading ability when selecting reading materials for them to use. (JN)

The usual apparatus for demonstrating Boyle's law produces reasonably accurate results, but is not impressive as a demonstration because students cannot easily appreciate the change in pressure. An apparatus designed to produce a more effective demonstration is described. Procedures employed are also described. (JN)

Provides (in table format) lists of chemistry prerequisites in biology textbooks, physics prerequisites in chemistry textbooks, chemistry prerequisites in physics textbooks, and mathematical requirements of physics and chemistry. Indicates that mathematical requirements for chemistry and physics are similar and that substantial chemistry and…

A group of 33 individuals toured the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union under auspices of People-to-People International. Physics education in and general impressions of these two countries as well as problems and values associated with this kind of travel program are discussed. (JN)

A Michigan State University committee examined major problems and issues confronting precollege science educators at national and state levels. A summary of these problems and issues is presented, along with specific recommendations for action in the state of Michigan. (JN)

Examines the present state and future of high school chemistry, and whether a crisis exists in chemistry at the high school level. Also proposes a new model for chemistry education and suggests that new materials and sufficient training and retraining are needed to implement new ideas and instructional strategies. (JN)

Provides an introduction to wildlife management. Topics (suitable for upper elementary and secondary students) include habitat, carrying capacity, birth and death rate, population growth and decline, predator control, refuges, stocking, habitat management, hunting and trapping, and others. A list of instructional resource materials and sample…

Offers suggestions for activities in which local weeds and wildflowers are used to study a variety of topics. These topics include classification, ecological succession, and mapping. Also lists the types of experiments students can perform with these plants. (JN)

Provides suggestions on how science teachers can, and should, deal with the nuclear weapons debate in a balanced and critical way. Includes a table outlining points for and against deterrence and disarmament. (JN)

Describes a versatile electric circuit, a simple and inexpensive vibration generator, and digital electronics demonstrations (with light bulbs) using a microcomputer. Also discusses bimetallic strips and their use as thermostats and the electrical resistance and resistivity of metals. (JN)

Presents (1) suggestions on teaching volume and density in the elementary school; (2) ideas for teaching about floating and sinking; (3) a simple computer program on color addition; and (4) an illustration of Newton's second law of motion. (JN)

The Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) project gives national recognition to outstanding science programs. Descriptions of five high school physics programs selected by SESE are provided. Unique aspects of the programs, instructional strategies, and other areas are included. (BC)