Presents background information, laboratory procedures, classroom materials/activities, and experiments for chemistry. Topics include superheavy elements, polarizing power and chemistry of alkali metals, particulate carbon from combustion, tips for the chemistry laboratory, interesting/colorful experiments, behavior of bismuth (III) iodine, and…

Reviews and analyzes results of experimental studies based on diagnostic prescriptive instruction as it affects science achievement. Results indicate such instruction significantly and positively influences science achievement, but that there is no clear indication that use of prescription/remediation in addition to diagnosis brings about…

Suggesting that reading can be taught during science, this second of two parts (Part 1 in January 1983 issue) offers guidelines for selecting nonfiction books on scientific subjects. Eighteen activities based on "The Amazing Dandelion" are outlined to illustrate how science trade books can be incorporated into classroom study. (JN)

Illustrates advantages of research on practical factors in reasoning. Discusses role of factual knowledge and diagnosis of specific task-based errors in reasoning, influence of individual aptitudes on reasoning, and effect of educational interventions designed to change reasoning. Presents Piagetian position for each position, discusses evidence…

Introductory college biology students (N=101) reported frequencies of 20 overt, in-class teaching behaviors and rated the instructor on 12 measures of teaching effectiveness. Moderately strong relationships were found between student perceptions of "information-transmitting" behaviors and achievement, while generally stronger…

Discusses the uses of talk in science classrooms in general and physics classrooms in particular. Presents examples from three physics lessons illustrating the issues raised, focusing on the use of thematic systems of science--ways of talking about particular phenomena. (Author/JN)

Biology teachers can take advantage of educational experiences while vacationing during the summer. These experiences include activities at Colorado's Keystone Environmental Center, in the Caribbean, and at National Audubon Society summer camps. (JN)

Investigated the effect of the medium of instruction and medium of examination on the achievement of Nigerian primary school pupils (N=599). Pupils were given differential treatments using either the Yoruba language or English. Results indicated that groups instructed in their mother tongue (Yoruba) performed better than the remaining groups.…

An instrument for the continuous assessment of high school physics students' laboratory performance was developed and evaluated. Physics teachers (N=25) observed students conducting experiments on film to judge student performance against a standard set of criteria. Results suggest increases in observational objectivity and precision as well as…

Discusses the meaning of Schwab's "substantive structures" of a discipline in terms of science philosophy. Presents three techniques for representing substantive structures and discusses some of their uses in science education research. (SK)

Describes a scheme to introduce assignments and encourage use of library resources related to A-level syllabi; study habits in science; modes of recording experimental work in elementary science classes; rationale for doing practical work in 11-13 science; and a strategem to enhance quantity and quality in pupils' discussion in science. (JN)

Discusses who takes college-level courses on solar energy; what material should be covered; sources of texts, outlines, curricula, and teaching aids; kinds of equipment needed; and science-, business-, and vocationally-oriented programs to prepare for such solar energy careers as design, research, education, and construction. (Author/JN)

Describes the life cycle, reproduction, and various classroom uses of the Louisiana Red Swamp Crayfish. Includes advantages and disadvantages of two different culturing techniques. (JN)

Provides procedures for demonstrations: (1) the ferrioxalate actinometer, which demonstrates a photochemical reaction; and (2) the silver mirror, which demonstrates the reduction of a metal salt to the metal and/or the reducing power of sugars. (CS)

Discusses ways to use overhead projectors for astronomy demonstrations and activities. Topics include phases of the moon, star maps, light, and the sun. (SK)