Describes recent changes in the A-level physics syllabus of the University of London. Discusses the new emphasis on understanding and applying rather than pure role learning, and the changes in testing procedures caused by this emphasis. (MLH)

Describes how to convert a bicycle pump into a vacuum pump by reversing the piston and replacing or removing the one-way valve. (MLH)

Australian science educators discuss the contributions made to science teaching by the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) in the first three years of its use. (MLH)

Describes classroom science demonstrations and experiments that simulate the process of fossil formation. Lists materials, procedures and suggestions for successful activities. Includes ten student activities (coral fossils, leaf fossils, leaf scars, carbonization, etc.). Describes a fossil game in which students work in pairs. (CS)

Lists materials and procedures for constructing a model that demonstrates certain aspects of the Coriolis effect. Materials include an electric drill motor, voltage control, toy dart gun and darts, wood blocks of varying dimensions. Includes description of an experiment illustrating relationship between speed of rotation and amount of apparent…

Discusses arguments that have been put forward by those who seek radical changes in secondary school chemistry curriculum. (MLH)

Senior lecturer in chemistry and President of the Education Division of the Chemical Society of Great Britain discusses his views on the future of the Education Division. (MLH)

Twenty-three high school biology students using the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Blue Textbook were administered a weight conservation and two volume conservation tasks. A majority performed below formal-operational level, indicating that these students would be likely to encounter difficuluty with BSCS Blue Version materials. (MLH)

Describes high school physics laboratory experiments that use lasers to show that a diffraction pattern is a Fourier analysis of the slit function. (MLH)

Describes a study in which groups of high school students of differing ability were presented different introductory "organizers" to test effectiveness of this learning aid in incorporating new material. Results from performance tests and three-week retention tests are reported. Suggested are modes of application for use of organizers in…

Discusses a proposed introductory physics program on the middle school level, including the use of experiments, abstract versus concrete concepts, and prerequisites. (MLH)

Summarizes recent findings that help in understanding how evolution has brought about the diversity of plant life that presently exists. Discusses basic concepts of evolution, diversity and classification, the three-line hypothesis of plant evolution, the origin of fungi, and the geologic time table. Included are 31 references. (CW)

Describes three physics demonstrations: "Sticky Kinematics," dealing with motion in friction; "The Whistler," presenting a whistle-like sound of descending pitch from an iron spring; and "Magnetic Superconducter Mystery," generating a question why a magnet keeps spinning. (YP)

Examines Gregor Mendel's family background, schooling, and the brotherhood of his monastery life for insights into how Mendel was stimulated to engage in plant hybridization, his precursors, and why he was successful in his endeavors. (RT)

Analyzed is the lack of specificity in the approach to environmental issues in Brazilian biology textbooks. The main reasons for this are discussed and results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of a local publication in the development of environmental awareness among a group of students is presented. (CW)