Recommends using dramatic demonstrations on the energy in chemical systems as an audiovisual adjunct to lectures and laboratory sessions. Lists materials needed and provides procedures including safety tips for various experiments to produce chemical light, heat, and electricity; and concludes with hints for preparation/rehearsal. (JM)

Provides innovative ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics on the following topics: enzyme decomposition; chemical waste; time measurement; acid-base color magic; ball bouncing properties; heat; cell theory; and specimen boxes. Materials and procedures are listed when appropriate along with hints for expanding these ideas and investigations. (JM)

Describes how to use data from television broadcasts of shuttle launches along with data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) "Educational Briefs for the Classroom" to establish relevant connections of high school physics with the real world. Includes graphs of range/altitude, speed/time, and three tables with launch…

Presents seven papers on computer applications in chemical education. Topics include current status and future of teaching with microcomputers, improving undergraduate experiments with online microcomputers, chemistry's mathematical models with computer simulations, computer uses in freshmen chemistry (tutorial-drill programs, laboratory…

Defends the need for field trips, citing studies that show improved methodology and process knowledge. Also stresses the need for planning to ensure success of such trips and to defend them on a cost basis. Includes two field studies: a north/south slope comparison, and fossil record study. (JM)

Discussion of science education in general and the possible role of microcomputers is followed by an evaluation of four software packages for seventh grade through college level. These packages are in the areas of genetics, prelab studies for chemistry, a science education game, and experiments in human physiology. (MBR)

Describes an audiovisual teaching unit on the chemical laboratory technique of recrystallization which was developed along problem-solving lines and based on observation of student laboratory behavior. Discussion includes usual procedures for developing such units, how this unit solves problems typically associated with teaching, and its general…

Discusses how school grounds can be used as a resource to relate textbook concepts to everyday life and to understand interrelationships which exist in the outdoors. Possible school ground learnings considered include topics related to weather and weather prediction; changes (aging, growth, decay); geology; temperature; water; and recycling. (BC)

Provides (in table format) lists of chemistry prerequisites in biology textbooks, physics prerequisites in chemistry textbooks, chemistry prerequisites in physics textbooks, and mathematical requirements of physics and chemistry. Indicates that mathematical requirements for chemistry and physics are similar and that substantial chemistry and…

A group of 33 individuals toured the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union under auspices of People-to-People International. Physics education in and general impressions of these two countries as well as problems and values associated with this kind of travel program are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the need for preservice elementary teachers to experience inquiry first-hand, suggesting that they engage in problem-solving rather than just "talking about" it. A typical teacher education program is described with suggestions to incorporate inquiry-oriented experiences. An inquiry-oriented activity using sand and funnels is included.…

Examines the present state and future of high school chemistry, and whether a crisis exists in chemistry at the high school level. Also proposes a new model for chemistry education and suggests that new materials and sufficient training and retraining are needed to implement new ideas and instructional strategies. (JN)

Alternatives to traditional, large-class lecturing are discussed. They include using canned lectures, demonstrations and lecture experiments, computer simulations, problem-solving strategies, breaks during lectures, and movies. Moving out of large classrooms to laboratories and resource rooms (or giving an examination) is also suggested. (JN)

Offers suggestions for activities in which local weeds and wildflowers are used to study a variety of topics. These topics include classification, ecological succession, and mapping. Also lists the types of experiments students can perform with these plants. (JN)

Provides suggestions on how science teachers can, and should, deal with the nuclear weapons debate in a balanced and critical way. Includes a table outlining points for and against deterrence and disarmament. (JN)