Discusses some of the remarkable capabilities and fascinating behavior of plants. Describes several simple experiments that young scientists can accomplish with plants to demonstrate their ability to sense, react, and adapt to their environment. (JJK)

Describes the modern hot-air balloon and the physics of ballooning. Proposes that students construct their own hot-air balloon and presents an experiment calculating the time needed for a balloon to rise to the ceiling of a gymnasium. (MDH)

Visiting Chinese teacher-educators observed U.S. high school science classrooms and compared U.S. and Chinese science education. Examines teaching as collective versus isolated activity, teacher- versus student-centered classrooms, deductive versus inductive reasoning, theory versus practice, active versus passive learning, book learning versus…

A study concurrently identified significant relationships between the attitudes of high school students toward nuclear energy, environmental issues, energy concepts, science concepts, space exploration, and metrication topical areas. Surveys indicated there were significant concurrent attitudinal relationships between specific science-related…

Recent Canadian studies of gender differences in science achievement suggest that science achievement, attitudes, and participation are interrelated. Also noted is a female focus on getting the right answer rather than understanding the process. Participation differences among provinces and between English and French speakers are discussed.…

An experiment in which students collect and analyze data on the population size of a real organism rather that on a model is presented. The activity allows for the integration of mathematics, graphing techniques, and the use of computers. The lesson is designed to follow the learning cycle format. (KR)

Reports results of an 18-item questionnaire mailed to all 730 school board presidents in the state of Ohio. Among the findings are that 52.8% of the presidents thought that "creation science" and 67.3% thought that evolution should be favorably taught in public schools. Only 13.7% thought that creation science was currently taught in…

Argues the urgency associated with school reform must be tempered by the fact that much reform is being guided by the rhetoric of a conservative ideology. Urges science educators to resist conservative ideological rhetoric that seeks to sway the masses. Science education must move beyond the positivistic, ahistorical, and depoliticized orientation…

Classroom interactions were examined for gender differences that may contribute to the underrepresentation of women in physics and engineering courses and subsequent careers. (PR)

Describes a class project to determine which environmental condition, such as light, heat, and type of basking substrate, would result in the least and most turtle basking behavior. (PR)

Describes a simulation of chemical reactions to help students understand factors that affect the rates of chemical reactions. (PR)

Describes a study that reports on the changes from 1983 to 1989 in computer availability and usage in Minnesota science classes in grades 7 through 12. The opinions of computer use held by principals and science teachers are examined, and changes in perceptions are discussed. (nine references) (LRW)

Describes software that was designed in the United Kingdom to promote conceptual change in secondary school students studying mechanics. Direct Manipulation of Mechanical Microworlds, an interactive computer simulation, and VARILAB, a computer-based language for modelling systems, are explained; and two studies that will evaluate the effectiveness…

Discussed is the history of school science curriculum reform from the Sputnik era to 1990. The relationship between the crisis in the 1950s and 1990 is addressed. A list of curriculum development programs for all levels and special needs students is included. (KR)

Described are lay-ideas which may exist about ionizing radiation, the importance of these ideas for risk management, and the relationships between various lay-ideas. Lay-ideas were used to gain a better insight into the problems of learning about ionizing radiation and to construct appropriate teaching materials and strategies. (KR)