This invited research report was presented in August 2003 to a science education conference convened by the Atlantic Provinces Committee on the Sciences. Based on 20 interviews and documentary information from the Departments of Education of the Provinces of Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, this…

This paper discusses the use of rubrics in a preservice science methods course. Section 1 explains that a rubric is a standard of performance for a defined population. It is also the guidelines laid out for judging student work on performance-based tasks. In science education, it is a purposeful and appropriate construct that articulates varying…

The general trend in Australian teacher-student interpersonal behavior has been to report the student perceptions of science learning environments. The purpose of this study was to report teacher actual and ideal perceptions of the learning environment. In addition, science students' perceptions were compared to science teacher perceptions.…

Describes the equipment and laboratory procedures suitable for introducing junior high school students to the organic chemistry concepts involved in fractional distillation. (JR)

Describes innovative ways in which substitute teachers have been used to free middle school science teachers during the day to attend inservice sessions. (JR)

Summarizes some activities concerning chemistry education, including a brief report of the 1973 conference on teaching of pre-university courses, a statement about using plastics containers, a survey of mathematical skills in chemistry, discussions about the Nuffield Foundation 27th Report and the report "Science for the 13-16 Age Group." (CC)

Describes a program initiated by the Cabrillo Beach Museum (San Pedro, California) and the American Cetacean Society to take students of the fourth grade through high school on half-day cruises to observe gray whales. College students assist in the program with related field projects and presentations in the schools. (JR)

Describes a number of marine science programs available to elementary and secondary school children on the west coast. Field centers and facilities enable students to gain first hand experience of the marine environment. (JR)

Advantages to both college and secondary school teachers resulting from formal and informal contacts are described by reference to th results of a questionnaire eliciting examples of such cooperation. (AL)

Strategies for using trees in classroom instruction are provided. Includes: (1) activities (such as tree identification, mapping, measuring tree height/width); (2) list of asthetic, architectural, engineering, climate, and wildlife functions of trees; (3) tree discussion questions; and (4) references. (JN)