After discussing task-specific information and form/content dissociation, presents evidence from training studies which suggests ways in which the form/content distinction might guide researchers in designing diagnostic measures leading to specific instructional strategies based on the diagnostics. (Author/JN)

Preparation for college or life, working conditions and continuing education for high school chemistry teachers, and form/function of high school chemistry textbooks were addressed in presentations at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Workshops, lectures, and demonstrations were also presented to…

Describes establishment and operation of a university-based computer center at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, focusing on student/teacher programs and software development and use. The center offers a centralized source of information, training, and education in computer literacy and computer science for precollege students. (JN)

Discusses value of computer diagnostic testing (CDT) including time factors in preparing programs, cost analysis, and possibilities for activities other than CDT. Includes a computer program, written in BASIC for a PET, and instructions for using the program. (SK)

Reviews two areas of concern in precollege science and mathematics education: (1) public ignorance of mathematical, scientific, and technological phenomena and (2) shortage of individuals competent and willing to teach science/mathematics. Focusing on the latter, includes comments (with possible solutions) from science educators, politicians, and…

Traces origins of present-day creationists from their 19th-century fundamentalist beginnings, focusing on past and current objections to the teaching of evolution and efforts to require the teaching of creationism in public schools. Discusses creationist arguments and strategies to accomplish their aims. (JN)

Describes contributions and efforts of New York law firm (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, Flom) personnel in developing plaintiff's case in McLean v. Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution). Discusses aspects of "Pro Bono Publico" (unpaid public interest service) endeavors in general and those related to this law firm in…

Discusses basic errors (confusions) in creationist's viewpoint, confusions about religion and the formal structure, methods, and canons of science. Reviews theological testimony in McLean v. Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution), indicating that the logic of plaintiff's case was directed at such confusions in and "scientific"…

Describes 13 activities, experiments and demonstrations, including the preparation of iron (III) chloride, simple alpha-helix model, investigating camping gas, redox reactions of some organic compounds, a liquid crystal thermometer, and the oxidation number concept in organic chemistry. (JN)

Issues related to sex education programs in public schools are addressed, focusing on public support, opposition by special groups (frequently religious groups), "crash" programs to reverse such trends as teenage pregnancy, requisites for effective family life programs, and values clarification in sex education programs. (SK)

Summarizes different views of speakers, including Secretary of Education, Terrel H. Bell, and Congressional representatives, who addressed a convocation organized by the National Academy of Science that focused on problems related to precollege science and mathematics education. (DC)

Presents a qualitative analysis of an episode from a beginning teacher's biology lesson to demonstrate the intricate relationships among teacher intentions, curriculum materials, teaching, and potential student outcomes. Develops the concept "epistemological flatness" as a way of characterizing salient aspects of curriculum materials and…

Compares types of outdoor activities chosen by school teachers v community leaders. Suggests providing teachers with many activities to select from rather than providing a few activities containing a lot of content material. (Author/SK)

Describes research on early experiences (reality shock) of young teachers at the beginning of their careers, indicating roots of these experiences. Also describes teacher training courses (focusing on pre-service training for physics teachers and in-service training for new teachers) designed to help teachers cope with reality shock and its…

Described is a nine-week experiment determining the effectiveness of integrating the use of science trade books into a seventh-grade life science unit on cells, anatomy, and physiology. Results confirm the advantages of integrated reading for high- and low-ability groups, with marked positive influence on affective outcomes. (CS)