Reports the teaching behaviors of instructors who (1) willfully and (2) under mandate adopted a new earth science syllabus. After a four year time span had elapsed, both groups exhibited similar behaviors. (CP)

Details the construction and operation of a high quality, low cost piece of apparatus to determine oxygen concentration in water. (CP)

Traces asteroid discoveries by amateurs from the 19th century to the present. The importance and necessity of amateur work are noted, especially with reference to observing and documenting occultations (one object passes directly in front of another which is farther away). Suggestions are made for viewing asteroids as a hobby. (DH)

Described is a game especially for senior economic geology students. The game challenges them to test their skills under present market conditions in an area of high consumer risk. Discussed are preparation and management of a portfolio, conducting research on various mining companies, and final accounting for results achieved in light of…

Described are the natural trace radionuclides in ground water. Indicates the geologic origin of these radionuclides. Discusses the importance of these radionuclides. Suggests future uses of a number of additional radionuclides. (CW)

Discusses the meaning of sea level change and identifies the major factors responsible for this occurrence. Elaborates on the theory and processes involved in indirect measurement of changes in sea volume. Also explains how crustal movement affects sea level. (ML)

Provides descriptions of activities and programs that have been successful with secondary science students. Includes ideas related to repairing radio-controlled cars, cooperative science-library center, observation exercises, recordkeeping skills and peer grading, DC power supply, chemistry of poison ivy, spore science, and a tic-tac-toe review…

Children in grades two and five explained such weather phenomena as wind, clouds, thunder, lightning, rain, snow, and rainbows during interviews. Results indicate that most students in both grades were at a stage of nonreligious finalism and do not use true causality in explanations. Implications for teaching are discussed. (DH)

Reviews a study which sought to assess the influence of field activities, as compared to classroom-contained activities, upon students in an earth science laboratory course. Test results indicated that both groups had identical levels of lower-order learning but the field-oriented group demonstrated higher levels of understanding and application.…

Presents recent findings obtained by the Voyager 2 mission on Uranus. Updates information on the planet's moons, rings, atmosphere, and magnetic field. Illustrations and diagrams of selected aspects of Uranus are included. (ML)

Points out the instructional applications and program possibilities of a unit on model rocketry. Describes the ways that microcomputers can assist in model rocket design and in problem calculations. Provides a descriptive listing of model rocket software for the Apple II microcomputer. (ML)

Reviews important science news stories reported during 1984 in "Science News" magazine. These stories are in the categories of: anthropology and paleontology; behavior; biology; chemistry; computers; mathematics; earth science; the environment; medicine; physics; science and society; space sciences and astronomy; and technology. (JN)

Basic concepts are often barriers to acquiring easy insight and satisfying understanding in a discipline. The most difficult task in the teaching of science is the recognition of these critical barriers to the student's thinking process. To make the unobvious less so is the responsibility of the teacher. (BC)

Explains the advantages in using the photographic medium in the classroom, describes some test instructional techniques that can be used, and lists sources of earth science learning/teaching materials. (GS)

The presence of gravitational waves was predicted by Einstein in his theory of General Relativity. Since then, scientists have been attempting to develop a detector sensitive enough to measure these cosmic signals. Once the presence of gravitational waves is confirmed, scientists can directly study star interiors, galaxy cores, or quasars. (MA)