Compared conventional biology instruction to personalized system of instruction (PSI) and investigated relationship between achievement and selected variables (age, sex, family income/size, grade point average, motivational factors, treatment group, and California Achievement Test scores) of college students (N=80). Results, among others, indicate…

Traces the development of a pencil and paper instrument which measures the change in pupils' (N=576) conception of the particle model of matter. Responses of four groups of children in grades 5-12 and university sophomore nonscience majors revealed that some cognitive difficulties are experienced at all ages. (CS)

Science educators (N=28) were asked to indicate whether 23 policy statements and 24 corresponding statements of needed research (appearing in "Crisis in Science Education") represented a critical need, a definite need or a low priority need. Statements seen as critically important by one-half or more respondents are listed and discussed.…

Discusses three general characteristics and four criticisms of meta-analysis (statistical analysis of the summary findings of many research studies). Illustrates application of meta-analysis on research studies relating to school class size and achievement and inquiry teaching of biology. (JN)

Describes a program in which a community college offered its instructional and physical resources to local gifted and talented high school students and their teachers. Students, accompanied by their teachers, performed research on the college campus. Indicates the importance of teachers being on campus with students. (SK)

Traces the events leading to the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Discusses how the units have been represented by their standards, and investigates how the original metric system evolved into the International System of Units (SI), focusing on the meter, second, kilogram, and electrical units. (SK)

Reviews physics curricula and instructional practices and materials (films, television, computers) at the secondary and college levels. Includes discussion of physics majors and teachers, examinations and testing, and the role of the National Science Foundation (NSF). (JN)

Suggesting, from the results of an information study, that a dichotomy exists between learning physics and passing physics courses, explores the consequences of the dichotomy for standard lecture format and Personalized System of Instruction courses. Includes discussions of student responses to problem-solving approaches, textbook study, and…

Discusses science/society interface and difficulties involved in developing realistic science indicators. Topics include: intrinsic vs. extrinsic indicators; four problems society faces as a result of technological activities (toxic chemicals, radioactive wastes, auto safety, cancer); research and development (R&D) priorities; international…

Implications for learning and science instruction are discussed based on the interview-about-instances technique which identified five patterns of student (7-20 year olds) understandings of the concept of force. (SK)

Describes research focusing on factors that might predict success in a Basic Science Skills course for preservice elementary teachers (N=113). (DS)

Describes phase transition in solids and shows how soap films can be used to demonstrate this phenomenon. (Author/SK)

Presents results of a selective survey of schools using individualized instruction (II) in Great Britain and a detailed description of a particular II self-study zoology course at University College, Cardiff. (CS)

Described is Xavier University of Louisiana Piagetian-based general chemistry program. Laboratory experiments are in the learning cycle format and place emphasis on learning by doing. Aspects of the curriculum described include synopses of content covered, laboratory-preceding lectures, list of laboratory experiments covered, and evaluation of the…

Describes a number of laboratory experiments using woodlice as experimental animals. Includes topics such as physiology of water relations, behavior, and rhythmic activity. (CS)