Discusses the thermodynamics of heating and boiling water, including the mechanics of bubble formation. Indicates that when salt was added to boiling water (when cooking pasta) the water temperature rose less than a degree, concluding that salt serves only as a seasoning. (Author/JN)

Discusses the genetics content in secondary school curricula, suggesting possible revisions to current A- and 0-level syllabi. Present teaching methods, textbooks, and General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination questions are reviewed, problems identified, and suggestions made regarding possible improvements. (Author/JN)

The existence of several different approaches to teaching water relations is noted, arguing that the concept of water potential is the most useful basis for this approach. The meaning of water potential is discussed, and a means of introducing it and using it to explain cell water relations is outlined. (Author/JN)

Many telescopes are equipped with devices called "setting circles" to locate objects in the sky. However, use of setting circles involves a series of tedious calculations using tables found in handbooks. The computer program provided for Apple II/IIe performs these calculations quickly without use of handbooks. Complete program listing…

Describes a study that measured and compared science achievement of pupils who transferred from pre-secondary to secondary schools at the ages of 11, 12, and 13. Results indicated that the pupils who transferred at 13 had a significantly higher science achievement level. (NRJ)

Describes issues and decisions relating to the introduction of the East Anglian Examinations Board (EAEB) modular science syllabus, discussing several factors contributing to its development and rapid dissemination. Considers the place of modular science in the curriculum and EAEB modular science as a model for curriculum reform. Includes syllabus…

Presented is a non-technical introduction to particle physics. The material is adapted from chapter 3 of "Cosmic Horizons," (by Robert Wagoner and Don Goldsmith), a lay-person's introduction to cosmology. Among the topics considered are elementary particles, forces and motion, and higher level structures. (JN)

Background information, laboratory procedures (including matings performed), and results are presented for an open-ended investigation using the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. Once data are collected, students develop hypotheses to explain results as well as devise additional experiments to test their hypotheses. Calculation of chi-square for…

Provides instructions for building a working model of a hot-air balloon, offering suggestions for a successful flight. Indicates that children can be involved in the projects, for example, by filling in colors in the panels of a balloon drawing. (JN)

Describes solar phenomena which can be identified and recorded by junior high school students. These include monitoring sunspot cycles, measuring sunspot velocity, calculating sunspot numbers, and calculating time. Methods to accomplish these activities (including projection method using telescope) are also described. (JN)

Provides a list of equipment and instructions for taking close-up photographs for classroom use. (SK)

Several simple experiments illustrating how the light regime affects the final form of dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis) are provided. These experiments, which can also be done with other plants, focus on differences in the anatomy, morphology, and physiology of sun and shade leaves. (JN)

A multi-institutional project was initiated to integrate findings of research studies directed toward major science education research questions. Overall operation of the project, research questions identified, and some rudiments of meta-analysis are described. (Author/JN)

Discusses four basic forces/interactions in nature (strong force, weak force, electromagnetic force and gravity), associated with elementary particles. Focuses on "gauge bosons" (for example, photons), thought to account for strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces. (Author/JN)

Computer software should be evaluated by teachers, students, or administrators before and after (ongoing) purchase. Reliable evaluations are performed in the educational context in which students will be using the computer. Such evaluations are performed because poor programs may negatively affect teacher and/or student attitudes toward computers…