Provides background information on the Science Education Quantitative Literacy (SEQL) project that is designed to enhance student laboratory experiences by working together on data collection and analysis. Includes details of an activity from the project curriculum on how many drops of water can be placed on a penny. (DDR)

Recommends that teachers try putting a new twist on classic experiments to focus and motivate students to learn science. Argues that dissonance or discrepancy can be introduced into many activities. Focuses on gloop (a puttylike substance). (DDR)

Presents activities for K-4 students that explore two areas of body mechanics--bones and joints--with an emphasis on the human hand. Relates knowledge of how the body functions to comparable examples in robotics such as the "hand" of the Canadarm of the space shuttle. Activities are geared for students in pairs. (AIM)

Reviews changing high school science curricula in South Africa, outlining two recent movements: aiming syllabi at the 85% of students who do not graduate in the sciences, and teaching basic knowledge and skills rather than specific and narrow job skills that easily become obsolete. Suggests that closer cooperation between curriculum planners,…

Addresses the need for organizing a science curriculum around contextual settings and science stories that serve to involve and motivate students. Outlines a proposed program of activities in terms of a sequence of theoretical and empirical activities that involve contextual settings, science stories, large context problems, thematic teaching, and…

Argues for an emphatic role for theory in everyday science teaching. Contrasts science's confidence in its theories with those of other sorts which students encounter in their everyday lives. Discusses common denominator science teaching in which teachers teach science in units based on different sciences. (DDR)

Discusses the relationship between teaching and research in higher education and how they are sometimes one and the same. Provides a perspective on scientific literacy, thoughts on the role of scientists in talking with the public about science, and the rationale for making a video course about chemistry. (DDR)

Analyzes the ways in which some beginning primary school teachers cope when faced with teaching science. Examines aspects of a group of beginning primary teachers' science teaching practices in order to better understand the basis of their practice. Finds that activities that work have a close relationship with science Pedagogical Content…

Explains the design and implementation of a student research project called Project SunSHINE. Explores the relationships between ultraviolet light and humidity, temperature, cloud type, and cloud cover. (SOE)

Reports on Project 3 from the Evidence-based Practice in Science Education (EPSE) Research Network. This project explores issues surrounding the inability of many science teachers to enable students to understand the nature of science. (DDR)

Examines a classification system that offers a framework for discussing and choosing questions regarding curricular organization, classroom environment, and teaching and learning strategies. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Recommends the use of origami to construct models of unit cells and crystalline structures. Provides templates and suggestions for use with students. (DDR)

Reports on a study that explored the types of questions that students ask for open-ended science investigations. Discusses how teachers can help students identify problems and pose questions that are feasible for investigation. (Contains 55 references.) (DDR)

Unit of study about rocks and the layers of the Earth focuses on building children's respect for nature by developing feelings of intimate relationship. Lesson plans include science activities (rock gathering, Earth models); "drama from the outside" (ritual to promote respect); literature readings; and "dramas from the inside"…

Provides a description of a program in Maine that emphasizes the relevance of earth science to students' everyday lives with classroom activities that address real societal issues such as wise management of habitats. Includes two of the activities from the curriculum materials. (DDR)