Describes an activity in which students investigate the effects of selected natural and synthetic substances on the rate of apple browning. Includes background information for the teacher, a list of necessary materials, and student instructions. (KR)

Describes a method for identifying and examining single ice crystals by photographing a thin sheet of ice placed between two inexpensive polarizing filters. Suggests various natural and prepared sources for ice that promote students' insight into crystal structures, and yield colorful optical displays. Includes directions, precautions, and sample…

Describes an intensive 2-week Operation Physics Institute at Western Washington University for 67 elementary and middle school teachers designed to improve science instruction. Presented several discrepant events in physics; teachers explained the events with scientific methods with the aid of concept lists. (KS)

After proposing and defining the superordinate concept of "historicality," fundamental interrelationships between time, events, memory, meaning, personal knowledge, public knowledge, and the histories of science are explored. Relevant research findings that demonstrate the confluence of scholarly thought concerning historicality across…

Article discusses the four elements of good elementary science programs and offers ideas for creative hands-on science and across-the-curriculum activities (e.g., a please touch science center, curriculum planning chart, and getting to know you water activity). It notes science-related events and describes four science reference books. (SM)

Broader adult literacy in scientific matters is needed urgently in the United States, to improve education at all levels, to restore American leadership in science and technology, and ultimately, for a better informed population. This responsibility rests with colleges and universities. (MSE)

Hampshire College (Massachusetts) offers an introductory, interdisciplinary course on the effects of drugs on the body to get students to think creatively and critically about science. It is hoped that, by becoming scientists for a term, they will experience both the power of science and its fallibility. (The course syllabus is included.) (MSE)

Discusses findings regarding the academic backgrounds of students taking algebra-based physics. Four areas were examined: (1) performance in math courses; (2) high school physics background; (3) community or junior college experience; and (4) science education majors. Suggestions for improving the academic performance for students in these areas…

Provides tips to teachers on how to improve instruction by simply evaluating and modifying their teaching style to consider the needs of all students. (ZWH)

Describes a case study on breast cancer and the access to adequate medical care to help demonstrate the use of the case study method in instruction. This is one of a series of articles written to stimulate interest in the use of the case study method in teaching undergraduate level science. (ZWH)

Presents activities for a springtime Space Day that can teach students about astronauts, gravity, and motion. Activities include creating a paper bag spacecraft to study liftoff and having students simulate gravity's effects by walking in various manners and recording pulse rates. A list of resources is included. (SM)

The article presents an interactive take-home activity "Test Your Nerves" on the nervous system that helps parents begin talking about health with their children. Suggestions for teachers on introducing the activities, follow-up class activities, and developing similar activities are included. (SM)

The article presents a step-by-step guide to choosing and using performance assessment to determine what students know and can do in science. Performance assessment allows teachers to measure what students know by watching what they do. An example of performance assessment in action is included. (SM)

Provides tips to science teachers on how to teach multicultural topics in their science classrooms. (28 references) (ZWH)

Examines the impact of using the Macintosh-based knowledge organization tool, SemNet, with prospective elementary and middle school teachers enrolled in an upper division biology course. (ZWH)