Defies the assumption that laboratory teaching skills are gained by preservice secondary science education majors through their undergraduate science programs, and presents expertise areas which every teacher should possess. Outlines activities for each skill which can become part of a methods course under the direction of science educators. (DH)

Suggests preparing displays which include both dynamic and static items to attract observers' attention and hold their interest. Includes instructions for making exhibits related to phenomena associated with Joseph Priestley and Michael Faraday. (DH)

Examines the various adaptations, food-getting strategies, and defense mechanisms that mammals have employed in surviving from one season to the next. Contains exercises in simulating animal movements and in identifying animal tracks and habitats. (ML)

Describes how reading comprehension enhancers function as aids for teachers in teaching for better comprehension and for students in reading for better comprehension. Presents ideas, suggestions, and examples for teaching and learning from the textbooks. (ML)

Explains how self-produced software can be used to perform rapid number analysis or number-crunching duties in geology classes. Reviews programs in mineralogy and petrology and identifies areas in geology where computers can be used effectively. Discusses the advantages and benefits of integrating department-generated software into a geology…

Offers a way of teaching quantitative thinking through a software program called, "Hot Dog Stand." This simulation provides students with practice in planning expenses, in computing problems, and in dealing with a situation in which outcomes depend on random events. Also includes suggestions for computer use during non-scheduled time. (ML)

Describes how a field research site provides grauduate soil physics students with practical field-oriented experiences. Explains the structure of the course and the nature of the course's investigations. Assesses the advantages and obstacles associated with the field research technique. (ML)

Describes an interactive, self-prompting BASIC program that can be incorporated in introductory and intermediate hydrology courses. Exlains how the program can be used to evaluate pumping test data and also to calculate transmissivity and storativity values of confined aquifers. The program is written for the IBM PC. (ML)

Describes three microcomputer programs that allow geology students to deform two-dimensional images on a computer screen and then to measure changes in angular relationships. Two of the programs simulate pure and simple shear and the third simulates variations in shear strain that occur in shear zones. (ML)

Argues that the most effective in-service programs for rural schools take place in the classroom with teachers and in-service tutors sharing the teaching, analysis, and evaluation. Describes such a program that helped rural Norfolk and Suffolk (England) elementary teachers gain skill and confidence in teaching science. (JHZ)

This article examines the interrelated legal and scientific nature of the creationism controversy. It discusses "McLean vs. Arkansas Board of Education" and analyzes current tactics used by creationists, concluding that they are constitutionally impermissible. An approach is proposed that balances First Amendment interests with the need…

Presents a summary of science education research for 1983. The 422 reports reviewed were placed into one of seven clusters for analysis/discussion: learning and instruction; curriculum development and evaluation; cognitive development studies; test development; teacher education; science education research completed in foreign countries; and…

Explains plausible strategies for introducing biotechnology into a science curricula through a microbiology course. Teaching strategies for large mixed-ability groups are presented. Concept maps, games, activities and materials references are included. (ML)

Describes a course designed to introduce trained teachers to some of the differences and difficulties they may encounter when teaching in a secondary school in a developing country as opposed to teaching in a British school. Language, lack of equipment, and cultural context are addressed. (JN)

Investigated the consequences of teacher-student cognitive style (field dependence- FD and independence- FI) matches and mismatches on student achievement in biology. Results suggest that whereas FI students may be taught by and achieve equally well with either FI or FD teachers, FD students are more successfully taught by FI teachers. (JN)