Describes the evolution of the seven major physics syllabi used in all secondary schools in China and analyzes the shifts of these syllabi in terms of objectives, content, instructional hours and teaching methods. Suggests changes for China's future secondary-physics education, including the need for modern experimental equipment such as computers…

Describes an elementary-level professional-development project designed to build a community of practice focused on inquiry-based science teaching (Guided Inquiry supporting Multiple Literacies). Presents the basic tenets that guided the development of learning experiences for teachers and illustrates how the principles influenced the design of…

Presents an activity that is a qualitative version of the standard paper chromatography experiment. This activity introduces students to methods of selecting the best solvent for a separation and allows them to consider the effects of adding acid and base. (WRM)

An interdisciplinary project was designed to maintain middle school students' interest in math and science education by their investigating a famous male or female scientist or mathematician. The project involved group work with a final written, oral, and graphic presentation, and allowed for use of multiple intelligences. (LBT)

Summarizes content analyses of verbatim transcripts of secondary chemistry lessons. Finds that the use of words with a metacognitive and metalinguistic function was generally limited in extent and simple and colloquial in expression and that the language of the enacted curriculum did not match the terminology of the official curriculum document.…

Describes a series of low-cost experiments to investigate the ability of seeds from different species to acquire tolerance of thermal stress. Suggests links to discussions on molecular biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution. (WRM)

Reviews the NTTI (National Teacher Training Institute) for Math, Science and Technology model that trains teachers to use video and Internet resources to enhance math and science instruction. Discusses multimedia methodology; standards-based training; program impact in schools; and lesson plans available on the NTTI Web site. (Author/LRW)

Presents an environmental science activity designed to enhance students' awareness of the hazards of plastic waste for wildlife in aquatic environments. Discusses how students can take steps to reduce the effects of plastic waste. (WRM)

Reviews the criterion of values as a means of distinguishing science from technology. Reports on research that finds a difference in the attitudes and values of male and female trainee-teachers when choosing contexts for technology. Concludes that the notion of "value-free" technology teaching should be contested, and that the cognitive…

Describes a way of incorporating animations into spreadsheets using Excel software. (WRM)

Argues for the benefits of using historical perspective in the teaching and learning of science. Describes the positive effects of using such an approach during the study of atomic theory with 14-year-old students. (Contains 27 references.) (Author/WRM)

Describes unexpected experiences with student laboratory activities. Makes recommendations for addressing two types of lab disasters: (1) when lab preparations fail prior to the beginning of lab; and (2) when students produce unexpected results with the proper use of materials. (Contains 11 references.) (WRM)

Describes an activity that addresses some fundamental principles of scaling, a technique that provides a mathematical basis for explaining many biological differences between small and large organisms. (WRM)

Describes a method for measuring the earth's magnetic field using an empty toilet paper tube, copper wire, clear tape, a battery, a linear variable resistor, a small compass, cardboard, a protractor, and an ammeter. (WRM)

Points out the importance of mathematics and science connections in the curriculum and introduces the Science Teachers Open Support System (STOSS) program which aims to assist African American middle school and high school teachers in designing and implementing technology-based interdisciplinary science and mathematics modules for culturally…