Presents a study where astronomy teachers (n=66) try to predict student (n=330) outcomes on astronomy and related topics pre- and posttest. Suggested findings include a course in astronomy did not result in an overall knowledge gain, teachers fared well at predicting prior student knowledge, and teachers vastly overestimated student gain in…

Many students are deterred from science because of the way science courses are packaged. To find out what makes science hard for intelligent students, the author employed nonscience faculty and graduate students as surrogate students in science. Their responses to the sequence of the units, demonstrations, homework assignments, examinations, and…

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to introductory biology using a learning community model that addresses many of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) and Sigma Xi's objectives in the teaching of introductory science courses. (PR)

Summarizes the results of three related studies whose overall purpose was to determine elementary students' conceptions about earthquakes at two widely separated locations in the United States. Certain topics, such as the cause of earthquakes, seemed to cause difficulty for students. New definitional responses emerged in the studies that took…

Explores how changing curriculum and teaching techniques may lead to different composition of pool of scientists who hold slightly modified theoretical perspective. Presents seven-stage spiral model for transforming mathematics and science teaching, in which each stage fuels change in next stage, moving toward more accessible, varied, and humane…

Provides findings of a study designed to explore ways in which changes in students' conceptual knowledge of photosynthesis are related to their study strategies and achievement and to course content. The authors ask teachers to consider these results and implications when facilitating students' learning. (ZWH)

Provides guidelines for classroom discussions of bioethical issues. Equipped with an ethical reasoning model, teachers can help to prepare students to make responsible decisions about science-related issues. (ZWH)

Presents an activity that teaches children the language of the honeybee--and which transforms the classroom into a honeybee colony. Children mimic the foraging behavior of honeybees and learn to appreciate the importance of community effort among animals. (PR)

Analyzes the presentations of electric current in physics textbooks. Concludes that from 1891 to 1991 most textbooks used a fluid model, which predated Faraday, for explaining direct-current circuits. (PR)

Describes an outreach program designed to expose high school students to cutting-edge science. High school students are provided with hands-on experience in molecular biology (polymerase chain reaction, restriction mapping, chromatography, gel electrophoresis, human DNA sequencing, etc.) and may have an opportunity to participate in the Human…

Describes the prosecution efforts regarding a chemistry teacher when one of the teacher's students was injured in an explosion in an attempt to make gun powder. In a different section, discusses nonscientists in science laboratories and the responsibilities of competent persons. (PR)

Promotes the use of memory devices, also known as mnemonics, by outlining six different types that are proven ways to help students recall information. Then describes a memory device used by the author to help students recall the process of neural conduction. (PR)

Describes the software HyperCard for the Macintosh computer. Explains how it can be used as an information presenter and information expander. (PR)

Describes an experiment to induce carbon dioxide deficiency to demonstrate its effects on plant growth. Suggests further studies to examine respiration by soil microbes and the effects of relative humidity, other gases, and air pollution on plant growth. (MDH)

Describes a field study of dragonflies and damselflies. After a bit of background reading and equipped with paper, pencil, insect net, and work sheet in hand, students will come to appreciate the behaviors of these insects as they gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. (PR)