Discusses research conducted in a middle school writing center that showed the necessity of a constructivist philosophy for the curriculum and the teaching process if information-seeking skills or writing is taught as a process. Problems with the teachers' use and understanding of the writing center are described. (Author/LRW)

To circumvent typical public schooling restrictions, an upstate New York middle school established a Lab School that functions outside the regular program. Lab School aims to provide practice in intellectual inquiry, delve into complex, demanding topics, create an interdisciplinary, problem-oriented curriculum, and experiment with assessment…

Describes a study that investigates both the use and usefulness of laboratory dissections and computer-based dissections in a tertiary, first-year human biology course. Explores attitudes toward dissection. (DDR)

Described is an activity where students determine the effect of different toothpastes on teeth. Students used observational data and pH changes to determine any changes in the teeth. Included are a list of materials, procedures, and results. (KR)

Presented is an activity that investigates the effect of sugar on teeth using cola, sugar solution, and water. Included are the materials, procedures, resources, and alternative lessons. (KR)

The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in older buildings often do not adequately handle air-borne contaminants. Outlines a three-stage Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessment and describes a case in point at a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, school. (MLF)

Discussion of the use of computers in schools focuses on a training and support project in using microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) techniques for secondary science teachers in the state of Hawaii. Results are reported for MBL use, teachers' perceptions of the usefulness of MBL, and needs for program improvement. (20 references) (LRW)

Experiments designed to help undergraduate students gain experience operating instruments and interpreting gas chromatography and mass spectrometry data are presented. Experimental reagents, procedures, analysis, and probable results are discussed. (CW)

Discussed are the procedures and results involved in this activity. Student results in undergraduate laboratories indicate high quality results and relative ease of the analysis. (CW)

Described is a technique for fiber identification for use by K-6 students. Follow-up activities for elementary and college students are suggested. (CW)

Three demonstrations (a mechanical model of chemical equilibrium, a demonstration of Raoult's Law, and a demonstration of permanganate reduction) are presented. Materials and procedures are detailed. (CW)

Procedures for duplicating fossil raindrop impressions are presented. The use of modern and fossil imprints as the basis for qualitative and quantitative lessons in the interpretation of ancient sedimentary features is discussed. (CW)

Described is a study which was developed to find the proportion of cross-dominance in young adults. Procedures and statistical tests are discussed. The tasks used in the assessment of cross-dominance are described. Results indicated that all persons suffered from some cross-dominance. (CW)

This paper shows that more pupils take biology than the other sciences in England. Biology attracts pupils of all abilities and girls in particular. Performance data reported suggests that the study of biology is not as effective in enhancing science performance as are the physical sciences. (CW)

Summarizes the report on undergraduate education in biology published by the National Science Foundation. Discusses the problems and recommended solutions for each of three areas: laboratories and course development; enhancing the quality of teaching; and recruitment and retention of students. (YP)