Highlights scientific accomplishments in 1981. Focuses on space sciences, medicine, geology, chemistry, physics, zoology, paleontology, environmental problems, and genetics including such topics as the Space Shuttle, Mount St. Helen's endangered species, genetic engineering, and the scientists associated with these accomplishments. (JN)

Presents content information and/or laboratory procedures and experiments on different biology topics including small-scale cultivation of watercress and its use in water-culture experiments, microbiology of the phylloplane, use of mouthbrooders in science class, and the gene. (DC)

Compares the editorial policy and appeal of the "National Enquirer" to the "Skeptical Inquirer" which is published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. Presents an overview of the common sense approach of the latter, its format, topics, and sample content. (DC)

To explain college students' (N=110) achievement in mechanics, a causal model consisting of three constructs (Newtonian physics, mathematics ability, and science experience) was proposed. Implications for physics instruction are discussed based on results indicating plausibility of the model. (Author/SK)

Following the description of a college organic chemistry course involving self-study and small group classroom work, summarizes five years of teaching the course (1976-1980) to chemistry majors. (Author/SK)

Reviews problems and successful techniques associated with various instructional systems including individualized instruction, personalized system of instruction, audiotutorial system, and others. Includes comments on behavioral objectives, mastery, and testing. (SK)

Provides a sample of journals and other publications available to science and mathematics teachers on the educational aspects and issues associated with microcomputers. Brief descriptions include the history, cost, and emphasis of each journal. (DS)

Provides an explanation and background material for the use of time lines to predict positions of five planets. (DS)

Briefly reviews different methods to evaluate student laboratory work and describes the procedures followed in using laboratory performance tests at Mercer University. Cites five sample performance-test tasks and materials needed. (SK)

Indicates a current shortage of analytical chemists with Ph.D.'s in academia and industry which will continue during the 1980s. Discusses several factors responsible for the shortage. (SK)

Discusses the problem of ellipticity in the motion of the ordinary Foucault pendulum and the error caused by it. Presents a simple method of slightly modifying the force-displacement relation in such a way that precession does not result from ellipticity. (Author/SK)

The effectiveness of an interactive computer-based instruction program designed to give students experience with exploratory drilling is compared to a previously used field-oriented simulated exploration program. The development, operation, and implementation of the computer program are discussed. (DC)

Analysis of an open-ended survey of 144 university and school science educators resulted in identification of six major problem areas: conceptual, organizational, teacher-related, student-related, university-centered, and societal. (Author)

Discusses how the concept of organoleptic chemistry permeates every modern chemical experiment. Six approaches for developing organoleptic attitudes which are crucial to the experimental aspects are also presented. (HM)

Discusses the results of the 1975 Examination for General Chemistry, and summarizes descriptive statistics as well as ten different subsets of instructional topics. The major results and conclusions are reported in three separate profiles. (HM)