Compared "extended discretion" (ED) learning approach to traditional Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) laboratory investigations. Found that although ED students are more capable of exercising independent judgment for greater lengths of time while BSCS demanded more teacher time, all teachers were still reluctant to accord…

Presents three case studies of physics teachers who left for business and industrial positions. Problems identified as contributing to the teacher shortage are low rates of initial training and low teacher morale. Using extra pay to solve the problem is questioned and predictions are made based on the case studies. (JM)

Advocates inclusion of science, technology, and society (STS) approach in the science curriculum, focusing on curriculum development. Offers examples of using solar energy as an integrating theme for science, technology, and society topics and explains several energy curricular materials. (ML)

Tested the effectiveness of a program designed to teach children how to conduct and interpret a controlled experiment. Results indicate that the ability to control variables can be taught using the program (which consists of activities related to designing, building, and launching model rockets). (JN)

Outlines initial work of the "Science Education Information Network" which employs a rapid response procedure for science teachers throughout North Carolina. This work includes collecting and analyzing educational problems and salary concerns. Indicates that the network is feasible and provides information for decision making at the…

Investigated changes that occurred in sixth- and seventh-grade teacher and student discourse when teachers endeavored to implement extended teacher wait-time in a sequence of seven lessons related to probabilistic reasoning. Results indicated that teacher wait-time increased from an average of 1.9 to 4.4 seconds during the lesson sequence. (JN)

The University of California, Irvine offers a summer institute for elementary/secondary science teachers. A one-day research update, year-round Saturdays for Science (for fourth-sixth grades), and assistance in science curriculum development are also featured. Success is attributed to involvement of faculty, local technology-based industry, and…

Preliminary analysis of the Second International Science Study shows, counter to trends in recent studies, improved overall science scores among fifth and ninth graders compared to the 1970s. In particular, fifth graders know more about biology and physical sciences and less about space travel compared to the 1970s. (JN)

Activities, experiments, computer programs, equipment, procedures, demonstrations, and teaching techniques are provided for a wide variety of topics in the biological and physical sciences. They include an improved apparatus for measuring rate of photosynthesis, procedures for making rainbows and measuring stomatal openings, and others. (JN)

Describes events leading to a flood in the Wehr Chemistry Laboratory at Marquette University, discussing steps taken to minimize damage upon discovery. Analyzes the problem of flooding in the chemical laboratory and outlines seven steps of flood control: prevention; minimization; early detection; stopping the flood; evaluation; clean-up; and…

Reports findings of a national evaluation of the Crustal Evolution Education Project focusing on student/teacher characteristics and student achievement and attitudes. Evaluation objectives, design of evaluation, instruments and methods of data collection are included. Directions developed for center coordinators/test teachers and samples of…

Describes apparatus needed and instructions for conducting four experiments. Experiments focus on light waves, measurement of contact resistance, demonstration of longitudinal waves, and a simple method of measuring the refractive indices of transparent plates and liquids. (JM)

Describes an integrated approach to science instruction using large group, small group, and audio-tutorial sessions to teach students to master content, express themselves in written and oral presentations, and critically assess and organize material. Provides the orientation "Why are we all here?" and defends criticisms of cheating and…

Highlights issues discussed by physics department chairpersons and administrators at a meeting on the education of physicists. Curriculum, undergraduate research, equipment needs, role of small colleges and universities, federal role in physicist education, education of physics teachers, and science education for the general public were among the…

Compares results of surveys sent to New Jersey science supervisors in 1978 and 1982 regarding status of secondary science education in their schools. Discusses trends developed during the four-year period, comparing them to such national trends as decrease in instruction time, use of national curricula, and loss of teachers to business/industry.…