Civil lawsuits brought for injuries to students are a source of growing concern for teachers, and especially for science teachers. This paper outlines some basic principles by which science teachers may protect themselves from lawsuits, before and during the time that students are engaged in experiments or lab work. Courts in this country have…

This report examines the most recent middle school data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to investigate how selected dimensions of instructional practice are related to higher-order learning of middle-grade students. In particular, the paper: (1) outlines the theoretical basis for prescribing middle level instructional…

This unit on the mole is one of 10 first year units produced by the Independent Learning Project for Advanced Chemistry (ILPAC). The unit, designed to help students consolidate some of the ideas about the mole learned in previous courses, consists of two levels. The first level focuses on: (1) relative mass; (2) the concept of the mole as the unit…

This unit on atomic structure is one of 10 first year units produced by the Independent Learning Project for Advanced Chemistry (ILPAC). The unit consists of two levels. Level one focuses on the atomic nucleus. Level two focuses on the arrangement of extranuclear electrons, approaching atomic orbitals through both electron bombardment and spectra.…

This unit is one of 10 first year units produced by the Independent Learning Project for Advanced Chemistry (ILPAC). The unit, which consists of two sections and an appendix, focuses on the elements and compounds of Groups I and II (the s-block) of the periodic table. The groups are treated concurrently to note comparisons between groups and to…

Research offers important suggestions concerning science curriculum design, and real-time data collection technology offers great opportunities. This paper discusses how recent increases in understanding the nature of the learner and the process of instruction combined with recent advances in technology might lead to improved science instruction.…

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has assembled this collection of reprints to assist teachers in organizing a science fair, working with students and establishing equitable judging procedures. The NSTA position statement on science fairs is included. The 19 reprints in this volume are geared toward secondary school students and are…

This guide, the first in a series of three, provides the intermediate science student and teacher an opportunity to review selected science concepts and processes through activities which emphasize the applicability of scientific knowledge in the professional world. The three components in this guide deal with (1) ecology (what marine science…

This guide, the third in a series of three, provides the Spanish-speaking intermediate science student and teacher an opportunity to review selected science concepts and processes through activities which emphasize the applicability of scientific knowledge in the professional world. The three components in this guide deal with (1) the scientific…

This activity manual is divided into 15 units which focus on: the nature of science; metric measurements; properties of matter; energy; atomic structure; chemical reactions; acids, bases, and salts; temperature and heat; readioactivity; mechanics; wave motion, sound, and light; static charges and current electricity magnetism and electromagnetism;…

Background information, lists of materials needed, and procedures are provided for 12 experiments which focus on various aspects of pollution and the environment. Topics considered in the investigations are: (1) solids in the air; (2) effect of air pollution on nylon; (3) measuring lung capacity; (4) an electrical smoke trap; (5) photosynthesis;…

Describes a low priced ripple tank with accessories for use with an overhead projector as well as the assembly of a variable speed wave source. Photographs are included. (GH)

Introductory science has become a discovery course for the students at Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire), who are above average in ability and motivation. The philosophy of the course is that it should serve a more humanizing function than the preparation of young technicians, and that this function is as important for the future scientist…

Fourteen basic experiments in mechanical engineering, intended for use at the sophomore level, are presented. The experiments are described as open-ended in order to give students the opportunity to discover the importance of stable operating conditions. The concept of experimentation is introduced and there is an interrelation between theory and…

Presented is a discussion of the events of the 20-year lapse between the invention of the pile in 1800 by Volta, and Hans Christian Oersted's famous definitive paper "Effects of a Current of Electricity on the Magnetic Needle." Students are thus enabled to appreciate the climate of the time and the manner and significance of Oersted's…