A series of modules designed for teaching energy concepts in a manner related to the classroom, school, and environmental settings is presented. The unit is seen as able to provide both teachers and students with a concept which has far-reaching implications. (MP)

Describes the operation of TESTS (A Test Exchange for Service Teachers of Science) which searches out, solicits, reviews, and catalogs test materials. Organization of existing nonpublished instruments is described. Implications are made for future test development in science education. (CS)

This essay by a Harvard evolutionist presents viewpoints concerning the creationists' arguments against evolutionary biology. Semantics regarding "facts" and "theory" of evolution are examined, examples are cited of creationist argument, and arguments for evolution are presented. (CS)

Topics discussed include: (1) what is a simulation; (2) why simulate; (3) when to use simulations; (4) planning for instruction; (5) cautions and limitations; and (6) future developments. Suggests that computer simulation in science is both entertaining and motivating. (MP)

Spatial ability and Piagetian tasks were administered to 80 schooled/non-schooled Fulanis (primarily nomadic and hunters) and agriculturalists (living a settled life). Results indicated that Fulanis develop spatial skills adapted to the ecological demands of their lives and that schooled students performed better on Piagetian tasks than…

Using personal-sized microcomputers (8K), students learn to operate equipment and program in BASIC. They complete computer-assisted instruction lessons and select, design, operate, demonstrate, and document their own original programs in this one quarter, high school course. Course objectives, activities, materials, and evaluation are outlined.…

Presented is the complete text of the judgment, injunction, and opinion of U.S. District Court Judge William R. Overton who enjoined the Arkansas Board of Education from implementing the "Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act" of the state legislature. (Author/DC)

Describes cognitive mapping techniques compatible with the information processing view of human thinking. Student knowledge was assessed by clinical interview and performance on paper-and-pencil tasks. Concept maps and semantic networks were then constructed. Uses that these assessment tasks and representations might have in science education are…

Paul Hurd, Professor Emeritus of Stanford University, addresses the subject of improving the quality of life in the future by developing a more humanistic approach in biology teaching. (SA)

Describes a study using experimental and control classes to test the effect of exercises in creative thinking. The tenth-grade students were able to increase their ability to think creatively. (Author/SA)

Examines the state of physics in 1931, the predicted and actual states of physics in 1981, and predictions for 2031. Focuses on general conditions such as economy, energy (fossil, solar, nuclear fission, fusion), physics research, and physics publications. (JN)

Summarizes the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU's) contention that Arkansas Act 590 (equal time to teaching creationism) is unconstitutional and highlights comments of various witnesses testifying during the trial. (SK)

Outlines laboratory procedures, demonstrations, teaching suggestions, and content information related to chemistry. Topics include polarizing power; calorimetry and momentum; microcomputers in school chemistry; a constant-volume dispenser for liquids, floating magnets, and crystal lattices; preparation of chromium; and solvent polarity and…

Suggesting advantages of using forests to teach succession, briefly outlines procedures for gathering evidence of succession including numbers, ages, and sizes of trees. Five plot studies conducted by students at the University of Victoria are also described. (DC)

High school biology content was rewritten in an attempt to reduce reading difficulties for students (N=265). After four weeks of use of reduced readability materials, no significant differences in achievement were apparent. (PB)