Discusses a series of experiments to establish a significance of temperature difference in rates of cooling, to illustrate the connection between energy transfer and the consequent temperature changes for thermally connected systems that are not in equilibrium. (MKR)

Results of a case study indicated that male (n=8) and female (n=10) students view the nature of science differently. Girls tended to perceive science more in terms of workable solutions to problems and its enabling power to help people. Boys leaned towards knowledge making, logical explanations, and new discoveries. (Author/MKR)

Surveys of chemistry concepts taught in (n=51) schools identified 132 concepts and the relative importance placed on each concept in the science program. Contains survey results for each concept. (Author/MKR)

Describes the construction of capacitors using commercially available double-sided printed circuit boards. Presents activities using these capacitors. (PR)

Provides an explanation of how tubeless tires support the weight of an automobile with reference to the use of free body diagrams in physics. Presents a second activity in which an inexpensive laser pointer is used to obtain diffraction photographs. Offers project ideas for students. (ZWH)

Presents a quick, convenient method to determine the index of refraction as well as a unique application of the laser. (ZWH)

Compares and contrasts the use of animals in English secondary schools and Australian high schools. Changes in animal usage in English schools over the last decade are described as are the influences that the National Curriculum in England has had on such work. Implications are indicated for Australian and English biology teachers. (Author/MKR)

This article describes the introduction of a sequence of lessons, based on a constructivist view of learning, into unit of work. Reactions to this change are discussed, together with some of the issues raised by constructivist teaching and learning. (Author/MKR)

Describes the development of casts that replicate fossil finds to help teach human evolution. (MKR)

Describes various aspects and advantages of the use of rubrics as tools for assessment. Presents additive rubrics as assessment tools that allow students to assume responsibility for the quantity and quality of their work and to see its value beyond the letter grade they receive. (JRH)

Discusses the general advantages of role playing in education. Presents role-play activities in chemistry for teaching the properties of chemical elements. Activities follow an initial student project of presenting an element's description and picture into the "Element High" Yearbook. A copy of a worksheet for this project is included.…

Describes the history of the science of geology. The author expounds upon the discovery of deep time and plate tectonics, explaining how the theory of deep time influenced the development of Darwin and Wallace's theory of evolution. Describes how the history of earth science helps students understand the nature of science. (PR)

Describes a sequence of activities which explore the nature of magnetism. Presents background information and details for classroom instruction for the following activities: plotting two-dimensional magnetic fields, making the reed switch and the reed relay, building a ribbon and moving coil loudspeaker, and investigations of a toy commutatorless…