Introduces a teaching method called guided design which involves a series of problems and solutions with feedback that leads students in a logical sequence through material being taught. Presents 15 worksheets to demonstrate the use of this technique in an introductory ornithology course. (Author/DC)

A biology field course organized to study the effects of the June 1979 Mexican oil spill on the marine biology of the shores of south Texas and Mexico is described, demonstrating how to effectively couple a biology classroom course with a natural or human caused environmental disaster. (Author/DC)

Outlines a procedure for making color-lift transparencies by using photos or drawings from glossy-stock (clay-coated paper) magazines and transparent contact paper. Includes possible periodicals as sources of biological illustrations. (DC)

Describes activities of Girls into Science and Technology (GIST) research project. GIST'S purpose is to initiate and support school-based efforts to improve girls' attitudes to physical science and craft subjects and to encourage more girls to study these subjects when they become optional. (Author/SK)

An overview of the role of science and education in society in the People's Republic of China is provided, focusing on agricultural science and research. Topics include the four-level agro-science network, scientists and their social consciousness, and recent changes in educational policy. (DC)

Presented in its entirety is Judge Overton's decision in favor of the plaintiffs (including the National Association of Biology Teachers) who sued the Arkansas Board of Education, et al., on the grounds that the "Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act" was unconstitutional. (DC)

Curriculum planning, even in a developed country, is not without problems. Curriculum planners in developing countries are faced with dilemmas at almost every level of decision making. The revision of the Malaysian physics curriculum is detailed in this article. (PB)

Compares performance of first-year general chemistry college students from 32 institutions with performance of Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Candidates in 1978 to provide a concurrent validity measure of the multiple-choice section of the AP chemistry examination. Average AP candidates scored significantly higher than average college students.…

Descriptions of high school chemistry courses are provided, including organic chemistry, introductory chemistry for mathematics-shy students, and a course for eighth-graders taught by high school seniors. (SK)

Results of a survey of New Jersey private, parochial, and public school superintendents on science teacher shortage in general and chemistry teachers in particular support results of similar surveys. Includes information on starting salaries for inexperienced science teachers and recommendations for their future. (Author/SK)

Presents comments from a symposium at which scientists and science educators agreed that science education should focus more on problem solving and less on mastery of content. Also suggests ways to select textbooks that support a problem-solving approach. (DC)

Presents 15 energy-related physics problems, including a brief indication of the essential features for solving each problem. Problems reflect various energy-related situations and involve different areas of physics. (SK)

Describes a study which explored some difficulties related to technical and nontechnical vocabulary and the structure of the examination questions in electrochemistry. Includes results from a sample of 1,500 students in the fourth forms. (DS)

Identifies a selection of science-oriented toys with approximate 1981 costs including electronic games, stuffed endangered animals, board games, chemistry sets, and a robot. (DS)

Examines the pros and cons of laboratory instruction. Complaints lodged against laboratory instruction include its high cost, and lack of research supporting the lab. Justifications listed include science education research supporting the lab, psychology, and common sense. (DS)