Discusses the advantages of using discrepant events in elementary school science classrooms in terms of motivation and problem solving skills. Describes the materials, procedures, and reasons behind five discrepant activities. (YP)

Presents teacher comments on audiovisual materials dealing with: biotechnology applications in immunology, agriculture, and cancer research; efforts to halt the eutrophication of Lake Tahoe; and banana slugs. Availability and costs of materials are included. (RT)

Examined are some of the distinctive features of the biological sciences. Discussed are the use of models with case studies, universal principles, and alternative frameworks. (CW)

Presents a lesson on introducing writing into the science curriculum by using an experiment to illustrate the detrimental effect of tobacco smoke on human lungs. Outlines the materials, procedures, a summary of the project, extension activities, and additional information about the writing process. Two handout sheets are included. (RT)

Describes modifications and procedures needed for parasitic lampreys to be kept in a closed system. Presents information dealing with obtaining the organisms, tank modifications, temperature, feeding, disease prevention, and animal welfare. A discussion is included. (RT)

Structural equation analysis of the cognitive engagement (CE) of 100 fifth and 175 sixth graders in science activities demonstrated that students who placed greater emphasis on task-mastery goals reported more active CE. Students oriented toward social recognition, pleasing the teacher, or avoiding work had a lower level of CE. (SLD)

Presents an example of a greenhouse-effect experiment from the Climate Protection Institute. Analyzes the amount of carbon dioxide in ambient air, human exhalation, automobile exhaust, and nearly pure carbon dioxide by titrating with ammonia and bromthymol blue. (MVL)

Reports on the teaching of recombinant DNA technology in high school biology courses. Explains reactions of the public, students, and colleagues to the molecular genetics unit. Indicates equipment, curricular materials, training, workshops, and availability. (RT)

Presents techniques used for disinfestation of plant material, preparation of equipment and media, and laboratory procedures for tissue culture using cauliflower. Details methods for preparing solutions and plant propagation by cloning. (CW)

Examines whether participation in physical experiments together with social interaction with adults and school-mates favor the development of causal knowledge and the understanding of a complex physical subject. Concludes that the treatments can lead students to give up pre-causal explanations and to resort to physical ones. (Author/YP)

The harmful effects of smoking tobacco are discussed. Instructions, lists of materials, and discussion questions for three activities to investigate these effects are provided. A glossary of tobacco-use terms is given. (CW)

Tests in each science area were developed around six laboratory tasks. Students had to plan an investigation, collect and organize data, and formulate conclusions based on calculations and graphs. Over 1,000 students from 32 Ohio schools formed the sample for this study. Data are presented by skill and by task. An analysis for gender and school…

A springtime forest probably contains over 100 shades of green. Describes outdoor observation activities that let the children monitor tree and plant growth. (PR)

With thousands of activities available, how does a teacher select activities appropriate for the classroom? Describes the guidelines of the "Science Activity Filter," which provide a useful protocol for evaluating science activities for their value in the classroom, allowing the teacher to use resources effectively, minimize discipline and safety…

This activity uses ice crystals to introduce middle school and high school students to the collection, preparation, examination, and manipulation of scientific data. (PR)