"Females in Engineering, Methods, Motivation, and Experience" (FEMME) is a precollege program at New Jersey Institute of Technology giving academically talented ninth-grade girls an introduction to engineering. Four experiments (windmill building, burglar alarm construction, electrochemistry, and spatial reasoning activities) helpful in achieving…

Describes the properties of colloids, listing those commonly encountered (such as whipped cream, mayonnaise, and fog). Also presents several experiments using colloids and discusses "Silly Putty," a colloid with viscoelastic properties whose counterintuitive properties result from its mixture of polymers. (DH)

Describes an individualized chemistry course based on mastery learning. The course uses the CHEM Study inquiry approach and textbooks with students proceeding at different rates, according to their individual abilities and interests, through a prescribed set of learning activities involving readings, sound pages, films, experiments, problem sets,…

The construction of a diffraction grating spectroscope has been previously reported. A procedure to fit a linear scale to this spectroscope is described (allowing measurement on wavelength of spectral lines without increasing cost of the assembly). Also described are some applications of this modified spectroscope for secondary school laboratory…

Integrated quantitatively the collective research dealing with the effects of the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) on student performance and attitude. The weighted mean effect size was 0.09, indicating that the performance of ISCS students was 0.09 standard deviations about the performance of students in traditional science courses.…

Reports a study's findings of which factors influence Nigerian secondary school students' choice of science subjects. Variables considered were sex, age, group of study (arts or science), attitudes, intelligence (IQ), and personality. Results from 1240 students indicated that attitude to science was most important factor followed by IQ. (ML)

Provides background information on videodiscs, including costs, usefulness, features, advantages and disadvantages. Reviews the history of videodiscs and of interactive video, particularly with respect to current performance capabilities. Gives ideas for interactive video use in science classrooms, outlining steps involved in making an interactive…

Discusses the instructional potential of Chlamydomonas in providing a basis for a range of experimental investigations to illustrate basic biological phenomena. Describes the use of this algae genus in studies of population growth, photosynthesis, and mating behavior. Procedures for laboratory exercises are included. (ML)

Explains how simple models of easily assembled materials can help teach the workings of human joints. Provides specific suggestions for demonstrating the structure and operation of fixed joints, slightly movable joints, and freely movable joints. (ML)

Investigated (1) conceptions 40 African students used in solving floating/sinking problems; (2) nature of these conceptions; (3) kinds of arguments of epistemological commitment they displayed in their responses; and (4) if their conceptions differed from scientific conceptions. (JN)

Provides instructions for making tin can radiation detectors from empty aluminum cans, aluminum foil, clear plastic, copper wire, silica gel, and fine, unwaxed dental floss put together with tape or glue. Also provides suggestions for activities using the detectors. (JN)

Describes techniques in LOGO, which are applicable to A-level and above. The techniques use a dynamic modeling approach, which considers system behavior in terms of state transitions over successive short intervals. Advantages and disadvantages of using LOGO are noted. (JN)

Presents a module that focuses on the solvent property of water. Indicates the knowledge items, skills, processes, and attitudes that are developed in the unit. Includes background information as well as student directions for an experiment on solubility. (ML)

Different learning cycle sequences were investigated to determine factors accounting for success of the cycle, compared learning with conventional instruction, and examined relationships between Piaget's theory and learning cycles. Results show that the normal learning cycle sequence is the optimum sequence for achievement of content knowledge in…

Discusses various ways in which snacks are used as the focal point of science lessons. They include writing a laboratory report after experimenting (and eating) lollipops and preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches following the exact directions supplied by students. (JN)