A connection between science and society can be seen in the human and ecological dimensions of one contemporary problem: acid rain. Introduces a human ecological theme and relationships between acid rain and public policy, considering scientific understanding and public awareness, scientific research and public policy, and national politics and…

Discusses San Francisco's Exploratorium, a science teaching center with 500 exhibits focusing on human perception, but extending to everything from the mechanics of voice to the art of illusion, from holograms to harmonics. The Exploratorium emphasizes "simple science" (refractions/resonances, sounds/shadows) to tune in the senses and turn on the…

Suggests that educators and scientists publicize the nature of creationism and expand science education for nonscientists in schools and colleges since the general public lacks sufficient familiarity with science to evaluate misleading creationist claims. Includes comments on the general decline in science education. (JN)

A computer program, making use of interactive computer graphics, has been developed to help students become fluent in the mathematical procedures needed to understand concepts of addition of waves. Background theory, use of the program, and technical and educational features of the program (written in Fortran) are discussed. (Author/JN)

Reports on research and development (R&D) spending and manpower, emphasizing R&D in chemistry and chemical engineering. Data are presented in tables and graphs related to the federal government, industry, universities and colleges, and a total look at United States R&D efforts. (SK)

Presents a computer program for analyzing diets, a game designed to supplement a topic on insects, a technique for demonstrating the role of ethene in fruit ripening, an apparatus for removing arthropods from soil samples, activities using cichlids, and an activity on bonds stabilizing protein structure. (JN)

Presents laboratory procedures, classroom materials/activities, and demonstrations, including: vapor pressure of liquid mixtures and Raoult's law; preparation/analysis of transition metal complexes of ethylammonium chloride; atomic structure display using a ZX81 (includes complete program listing); "pop-up" models of molecules and ions;…

Reviews research conducted between 1966 and 1978 dealing with changing the attitude of preservice elementary teachers toward science and science teachers. Categories of research discussed include elementary science methods courses, micro-teaching, audio-tutorial and self-paced learning, various approaches (humanistic, inquiry, inductive-deductive,…

Investigates and substantiates the effectiveness of the peer teaching approach on the ability of preservice elementary teachers (N=60) to acquire concepts selected from the Elementary Science Methodology Course and on their attitudes towards science and elementary school science. (CS)

Reviews research on demonstration versus small group instruction in four phases (up to 1926, 1926-1946, 1946-1960, and 1960-present), reflecting progressive stages with respect to the development of the investigational techniques used in the studies. (Author/JN)

Results are reported of performance and attitudes of students (N=109) receiving high structure (objectives, reviews, examples, questions, feedback) and students (N=108) receiving low structure (emphasis on content) laboratory manuals and instructions. (SK)

Describes the development of a two-week National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded course at the Virginia Military Institute to promote the lecture demonstration technique. (SK)

Reviews common wild, cultivated, and household plants which may be harmful to humans by causing allergic reactions, dermatitis, physical injury, or internal poisoning. Includes brief descriptions of plants, their potential harm, and some illustrations. (DC)

Presents highlights of Chemical and Engineering News survey of the employment picture for chemical professionals. Focuses on the question of needing a Ph.D.; employment opportunities; salaries; and career planning, including the names and addresses of many employers of chemists and chemical engineers. (SK)

Reports results of a survey of 149 undergraduates (persisters - 73 White, 9 Black) and former undergraduates (nonpersisters - 35 White, 32 Black) indicating how their perceptions of their college environment affected the decision to remain at or leave the Speed Scientific School, University of Louisville. (SK)