Discusses three examples of evolutionary transition in the vertebrate fossil record, considering evolutionary transitions at the species level. Uses archaic squirrel-like Paleocine primates, the earliest primates of modern aspect, as examples. Also reviews new evidence on the origin of whales and their transition from land to sea. (JN)

Presents observations of 30 high ability students participating in a three-day summer science course. Includes results of tests measuring divergent thinking given to students and student comments on the ideal science teacher, ideal science classroom, and cities of the future. (Author/JN)

Presents background information, laboratory procedures, classroom materials/activities, and experiments for chemistry. Topics include superheavy elements, polarizing power and chemistry of alkali metals, particulate carbon from combustion, tips for the chemistry laboratory, interesting/colorful experiments, behavior of bismuth (III) iodine, and…

Reviews and analyzes results of experimental studies based on diagnostic prescriptive instruction as it affects science achievement. Results indicate such instruction significantly and positively influences science achievement, but that there is no clear indication that use of prescription/remediation in addition to diagnosis brings about…

Traces the history and development of temperature scales which began with the 17th-century invention of the liquid-in-glass thermometer. Focuses on the work of Olaf Romer, Daniel Fahrenheit, Rene-Antoine de Reamur, Anders Celsius, and William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). Includes experimental work and consideration of high/low fixed points on the…

Discusses the uses of talk in science classrooms in general and physics classrooms in particular. Presents examples from three physics lessons illustrating the issues raised, focusing on the use of thematic systems of science--ways of talking about particular phenomena. (Author/JN)

Biology teachers can take advantage of educational experiences while vacationing during the summer. These experiences include activities at Colorado's Keystone Environmental Center, in the Caribbean, and at National Audubon Society summer camps. (JN)

Provides an annotated list of technical and nontechnical astronomy books (reviewer's remarks, cost, publisher's name/address). Topics include general astronomy, general astronomy textbooks, solar system, amateur astronomy, astronomy history, archeoastronomy, space exploration, related physics books, pseudoscience, and others. (JN)

An instrument for the continuous assessment of high school physics students' laboratory performance was developed and evaluated. Physics teachers (N=25) observed students conducting experiments on film to judge student performance against a standard set of criteria. Results suggest increases in observational objectivity and precision as well as…

Discusses the meaning of Schwab's "substantive structures" of a discipline in terms of science philosophy. Presents three techniques for representing substantive structures and discusses some of their uses in science education research. (SK)

Describes a scheme to introduce assignments and encourage use of library resources related to A-level syllabi; study habits in science; modes of recording experimental work in elementary science classes; rationale for doing practical work in 11-13 science; and a strategem to enhance quantity and quality in pupils' discussion in science. (JN)

Describes the life cycle, reproduction, and various classroom uses of the Louisiana Red Swamp Crayfish. Includes advantages and disadvantages of two different culturing techniques. (JN)

Provides procedures for demonstrations: (1) the ferrioxalate actinometer, which demonstrates a photochemical reaction; and (2) the silver mirror, which demonstrates the reduction of a metal salt to the metal and/or the reducing power of sugars. (CS)

Four guiding principles are offered to develop scientific literacy in all students and to attract and challenge students who want to pursue science careers. (Author/SK)

Suggests a teaching strategy for water habitat studies to help students make a meaningful connection between physiochemical data (dissolved oxygen content, pH, and water temperature) and biological specimens they collect. Involves constructing a poster and using it to make predictions. Provides sample poster. (DC)