Describes an activity that involves exploring a model cave made out of a two-person tent as a way to add science process to a thematic unit on bats and spiders. This multifunctional learning center provides students with a variety of hands-on experiences, helps students focus on observable things from nature, and emphasizes process skills. Lists…

Describes a learning-cycle approach to teach a lesson exploring the biotic potential of plants. Discusses the phases of learning: exploration, concept invention, and application. Lists five resources. (JRH)

Presents performance assessments, written by a team of Wisconsin science teachers, designed to see if students know, have practiced, and are able to perform the skills associated with science problem solving. (JRH)

Describes activities for biology teachers that will stimulate discussions on virus structure, cell biology, rhino viruses, and new trends in treating the common cold. Provides opportunity for inquiry and problem solving in exercises that emphasize an understanding of how common cold viruses might pack inside nasal epithelial cells. (14 references)…

Presents the National Science Education Standards as an exceptionally well researched tool intended to assist teachers in curriculum development. Describes an activity that meets the standards and encourages students to work together. (JRH)

Evaluation of a classroom mnemonic instructional method to teach science content to 19 mildly disabled students (grades 6-8) found mnemonic instruction resulted in improved initial content acquisition, higher delayed-recall scores than traditional instructional procedures, and generalization of mnemonic strategies to novel content. Students…

The extent to which students' home characteristics, school factors, teaching and learning variables account for the variance of a measure of students' (n=2059) attitude toward science was investigated. The results indicate that most students come from homes that may not foster positive attitudes toward science and that variables that could lead to…

Various learning activities in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are presented, using the theme of favorite foods. Sample activities include thinking of similes and metaphors related to food, calculating calories eaten in a day, and listing foods associated with specific countries. (JDD)

Describes a spreadsheet system that enables students, teachers, and curriculum developers to use Microsoft EXCEL's database and graphics capabilities in the science classroom. System design goals are explained, examples of system applications are given, and possible future developments are discussed. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes the state of physics education in China as determined by visits to eight universities, one middle school, and one kindergarten noted for their reputations for innovative instruction. (MDH)

Reports a study analyzing the perceptions of 45 college science majors regarding their formal precollege science experiences. Results suggest that college science majors generally hold science in higher regard than do noncollegiate adults; preferred science teachers who were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly, inspirational, and fun; and…

Describes a linear, self-paced approach that uses interactive video to teach introductory science courses to community college nonscience majors. The discussion covers learning modules, materials, hardware, software, teacher role, advantages, disadvantages, results, cost effectiveness, and equipment costs. Sources for videodiscs and software are…

Argues against the forced use of generic lesson design in science instruction. Asserts that teaching modules are popular among administrators because they seem to provide accountability. However, modules often promote traditional ideas in teaching, and administrators seldom investigate claims of programs. Critiques research cited by the Hunter…

Contrasts receptive learning (rote learning) with meaningful learning. Explains that people construct knowledge based on what they already know. Concept maps are used to organize and represent knowledge and help the learner construct new meanings in a subject. Gives examples of concept maps created by scientists. (18 references) (PR)

Reports a study that compared the effects of three methods of instruction, use of hands-on activities, hands-on activities in combination with computer-assisted instruction (CAI), or text-based activities, on student achievement and attitude. Results indicated students receiving a combination of hands-on activities with CAI scored significantly…