Presented are 27 science activities for secondary school science instruction. Topic areas include microbiology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, safety, earthquakes, problem solving, electricity, heat, solutions, mechanics, quantum mechanics, flame tests, and molecular structure. (CW)

Four reports are presented including "Alternative Approaches to Assessment of Practical Work in Science"; "Introducing Multicultural Science Teaching to a Secondary School"; "A Case Study on the Relative Performance of Boys and Girls in Chemistry Part II"; and "An INSET Technique--Developing a New Consensus." (CW)

This article elaborates on three principles which are the foundation of the developmental approach to early childhood education. These principles are multiage grouping, nongraded curricular materials, and interactive teaching. (IAH)

Described are four musical instruments constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The use of computerized synthesizers to play scales and chords is discussed. Suggestions for other illustrations of acoustics are included. (CW)

Described is Creative Problem Solving (CPS), a model which may be employed to help integrate higher-order thinking skills into elementary science instruction. An example of the use of this model is presented. (CW)

Explained is the effect produced by an optics toy which uses two concave mirrors to produce an illusion. Formulas and calculations used in the explanation are detailed. (CW)

A Pennsylvania State University planner who sat in on an introductory physics course as part of a Total Quality Management/Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) effort reflects on the experience and discusses insights gained about the link between CQI and the quality of undergraduate instruction. (MSE)

Outlines the significant influence of constructivism in contemporary science and mathematics education and emphasizes the central role that epistemology plays in constructivist theory and practice. It is claimed that constructivism is basically a variant of old-style empiricist epistemology, which has its origins in Aristotle's individualist and…

Asserts that there is a need for a more effective means to teach methods of scientific inquiry in geography classes. Describes a laboratory project in which college-level students are introduced to scientific inquiry. Provides seven suggestions for using similar scientific inquiry activities in elementary and secondary classrooms. (CFR)

Using a unit on earthworms, this article shows how science and language arts can be successfully integrated in a middle school classroom through hands-on observation, interviewing, and writing exercises. The integration process engages students, uses class time more efficiently, encourages dialog, and improves outcomes and appreciation of the…

Examined how programmed materials could be implemented to promote a higher level of process skill proficiency. Conclusions from this pre- and posttest study involving 55 undergraduate elementary science methods students were that review strategies did not affect science process skill proficiency and programmed instruction was more effective than…

Describes the effects of teacher subject-matter knowledge on classroom discourse at the level of individual utterances. Details analyses conducted in a year-long study of language in the classrooms of four new biology teachers. Among the findings are that these teachers talked more, asked more questions, and relied heavily on low cognitive level…

Presents a classroom activity where students vote on topics of interest and then discuss the top ideas through the use of science roundtable discussions. (PR)

Presents a laboratory activity for use during the first or second week of school that engages students in the basic principles of the scientific method. (PR)

Explains how Darwin's observations and experiments can be used to show the true nature of science and good scientific methods. (PR)