Discusses the role and types of evaluation for secondary science curriculum studies. Rationales for product and process evaluation and models for implementation are reviewed. Teacher involvement in curriculum development is advocated. (ML)

Assesses whether British secondary schools have altered the scope and pattern of science course offerings. Data on science entry examinations indicate that increases in selection of balanced science courses have occurred. Gains in female entries are noted. (ML)

Promotes the use of computer modelling in physics instruction. Describes Dynamic Modelling System (DMS) and the procedures employed in applying it to problem solving in physics. Provides fundamental information on BASIC language and techniques for using DMS. (ML)

Presents 10 activities in biology, chemistry, physical science, and general science. Activities focus on: alfalfa sprouts; soap test; density; skating on cold ice; Kirlian photography; titration analysis (with program listing); radioactive decay; and others. Each activity includes suggested grade level(s) and procedures. (DH)

The preformatted programs of authoring systems are much easier for teacher use in writing computer assisted instruction for the classroom. Advantages, disadvantages, applications, prices, and publishers are provided for six systems (Blocks, CAIware, Eureka, Mentor Master, PILOT, and ZES). (DH)

Reports on a comprehensive, longitudinal investigation examining influences on commitment to science and achievement in science among adolescent students (N=821). Findings show that science attitude and achievement motivation declined throughout the year, life science achievement increased, and differences in achievement motivation occurred…

Describes science laboratory work at Hephaistos, a state school in England for severely physically handicapped students of above average intelligence. General and specific solutions are presented for students who have lack of coordination, weakness in hands and arms, communication problems, impaired spatio-visual perception, and inability to…

Examined alternative conceptions of animals and animal classification by interviewing fifth grade, eighth grade, and freshmen/sophmore college students (N=62). Subjects were asked to name five animals, state critical attributes, and complete a classification task. Results indicate all ages fail to generalize and discriminate among examples and…

A matching model of instruction on independent variables of need level, cognitive style, and locus of control resulted in improved attitude toward science in general for ninth-grade physical science students (N=574). Although achievement and other attitudes did not improve, empirical evidence suggests some matching is better than none. (DH)

Surveys various types of science-oriented computer software, including simulations, tutorials, drill and practice programs, statistical programs, and computer-monitored experiments. Includes a list of 14 programs (indicating program name, source, RAM needed, compatible computers, and current cost) representative of these software types. (JN)

Presents a theoretical framework for and a detaled description of a model for teaching scientific analogies. The framework focuses on the definition of an analogy, analogical learning, variables related to analogical learning, evaluating outcomes of analogical limiting, and limitations of using analogies in teaching. (JN)

Explored the effects of learning on structural modifications to the periodic table; the location of a periodic table within instructional materials; and the presence of a two-page schema showing relationships between the topics explained in the written materials and the periodic table. Results obtained from 160 students are reported and discussed.…

A Maryland county addressed the problem of finding and keeping qualified science teachers by starting a program to certify teachers in areas most needed and to upgrade skills for current science teachers. Needs assessment, program courses, and university cooperation/course offerings are discussed. (DH)

FEMME (Females in Engineering, Methods, Motivation, Experience) is a pre-college summer program for 25 bright and gifted ninth-grade females who like mathematics and science. This program, now in its fourth year, is described, providing information about program goals, operation, trips, student laboratory experiments, and topics discussed by guest…

Presents a collection of articles to provide chemistry teachers with resource materials to add forensic chemistry units to their chemistry courses. Topics range from development of forensic science laboratory courses and mock-crime scenes to forensic serology and analytical techniques. (JN)