Describes a Saturday science program (two 6-hour sessions) for middle school students. The aim of the program is to introduce intelligent and interested students to science as scientists do it, emphasizing fundamental manual and mental skills. Saturday sessions are taught by scientists at a local university. (Author/JN)

Discusses use of the VIC-20 microcomputers for laboratory interfacing. Topics considered include the game connections and use of: the ADC0809 A/D converter and timers with the VIC-20; the free-running mode of T1; and the pulse-counting mode of T2. Instructions and diagrams are provided. Descriptions of several programs are also provided. (JN)

Six biology teachers and 90 students participated in this study. Results indicate that teachers can be trained to use a systematic questioning technique, trained teachers can employ the technique in classroom settings, and students taught by the technique achieve higher and retain knowledge longer than those in control groups. (JN)

Describes a low cost hydrometer which can be assembled by students using stock laboratory items with a total retail cost of 17 cents. Includes list of required materials (with supplies) and experimental results on the instrument's accuracy. (JM)

Advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer use are noted. Computer managed and assisted instruction are discussed, followed by guidelines for software and microcomputer selection. Uses of CAI in the science curriculum are noted: simulation, modeling, gaming, drills, and tutorials. Finally, a project to disseminate instructional materials in…

Two areas of research were explored in this meta-analysis: comparison of inductive versus deductive approaches and use of advance organizers. The study involved 128 characteristics for 39 studies spanning the period from 1957 through 1980. Coding variables included 57 concerned with treatment features and 12 with outcome attributes. (Author/JN)

Discusses problems in using multiple-choice items on criterion-referenced tests, offering alternative methods to determine if objectives have been met. These include batteries of true-false items, structural communication grids, concept linkages, and a scoring system which takes partial knowledge into consideration. (JN)

Provided are reviews of science equipment/apparatus. Items reviewed include: Harris Micro-ecology tubes; Harris chromosome investigation kit; Harris trycult slides; a pressure cooker with thermometer; digital pH meter; digital scaler timer; electrical compensation calorimeter; and Mains alternating current ammeter. (JN)

Discusses drill/practice programs and computer simulations. Also provides a chart comparing programs available through the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC). Included in the chart are title, grade level(s), content, skills required to complete program, potential of program to be integrated into regular curriculum, values…

"COMETS on Careers" describes science-related careers, introduces activities illustrating a science concept being studied, and encourages use of professional persons as activity leaders. Several COMETS chemistry activities are described. These activities, which can be performed in school or at home, focus on colloids, acid/base…

The composition and dynamics of the earth's atmosphere are discussed, considering the atmosphere's role in distributing the energy of solar radiation received by the earth. Models of this activity which help to explain climates of the past and predict those of the future are also considered. (JN)

Summarizes 19 literature sources identifying road-killed vertebrates and frequency of kill by numbers. Examples of how these animals can be incorporated into curricula (integrating biology, society, people, and values) are given, followed by an illustrated example of how a road-killed raccoon's skull demonstrated a human/wildlife interaction prior…

Discusses elementary and secondary science teacher education programs at Miami University (Ohio) in light of changes made by the Ohio State Board of Education's adoption of new teacher education standards. Outlines seven standards having major implications for change in Ohio's teacher education institutions. (JN)

Recommendations for resolving the crisis in science/mathematics education (proposed at a 1982 Indiana University conference) are provided. These include general recommendations as well as those for state government, school systems, colleges/universities, and for the private sector. The author's personal observations/recommendations are also…

Discusses findings that suggest that mating preferences of female mottled sculpins (small North American fish) are influenced by at least four major factors, and that the relative importance of these factors changes through time. The type of choice that a female makes thus depends on time of breeding. (JN)