Reports the proceedings of the Wingspread conference on integrating science and mathematics teaching and learning. Discusses (1) a literature review on integration of science and mathematics education; (2) development of definitions of integration; (3) specification of guidelines for infusing integrated teaching and learning into science and…

Artificial intelligence techniques available for generating explanations for teaching purposes are surveyed, and the way in which they are combined in a computer program that provides explanations is described. The program responds to questions in the physical sciences. Potential contributions of this technology to computer-based education are…

Effects of knowledge maps, outlines, or lists of key terms on recall by 74 undergraduates (29 males and 45 females) of 2 biology lectures were compared. The hypothesized advantage of maps over outlines or lists was not found generally, but it was found for students low in prior knowledge. (SLD)

Offers excerpts from a California State Education Department publication on curriculum reform ("It's Elementary!") that describes what elementary school students should be learning in subject areas and highlights character education. The subject areas covered are language arts, mathematics, history-social science, and science. (JB)

The author provides a few personal impressions from his visit to the People's Republic of China concerning middle school science education, particularly the physics curriculum; the typical, working-week schedule of a physics teacher; the status and morale of teachers, in general; and the Chinese viewpoint of the examination process and gender…

Describes six simple experiments that can enable students to better understand gravity and the role it plays in the universe. Includes discussions of Newton's experiments, weight and mass, center of gravity, center of mass, and the velocity of falling objects. (JJK)

Presents an annotated list of 20 basic concepts from ecology that might be considered for inclusion in courses of study designed to improve environmental literacy among undergraduates. Supplies references for each concept. (64 references) (JJK)

Reports on the development and application of a series of computer programs which simulate the outcomes of students' perceptions regarding forces acting on objects at rest or in motion. This dissonance-based strategy for achieving conceptual change uses an arrow-based vector language to enable students to express their conceptual understanding.…

Summarizes comparisons of self-reported interest by gender and experimental condition for middle school students (n=101) who performed scientific experiments under conditions designed to vary across difficulty levels, social contexts, and scenarios of fantasy to realism. Findings indicate that boys were more attentive to aspects of experimental…

Explores the nature of explanations used by 20 middle school science teachers utilizing the constant comparative analysis method in analyzing transcripts of classroom discourse. Discusses a subsuming categorical framework for the 10 types of explanations generated, along with examples of each type, namely: analogical, anthropomorphic, functional,…

Quantitative outcomes from the Attitudes toward Science Inventory, as well as interview results, indicate that nonscience college majors have high anxiety levels in combination with low levels of motivation when confronted with science material. Further, these attitudes toward science change with exposure to introductory, science instruction with…

This college Life Science lecturer describes health-related videos she has integrated into her curriculum. She provides the names of specific videos for the following topics: AIDS, cocaine, alcohol, nutrition, smoking, and stress. Instructional strategies for the use of specific videos and general strategies for implementing a video approach are…

Authors describe how to use videodisks and computer software in biology instruction. HyperCard Videodisc Toolkit for the Macintosh computer and the BioSci videodisc are used to explain basic principles in the preparation of multimedia presentations. Authors assert that the use of this technology enhances student learning by inserting excellent…

Describes the practice of concept mapping, the student-student and student-teacher interactions, and cognitive activity occurring in participants. Authors conclude that concept mapping is an excellent activity that allows students to engage in extended science discourse. The maps provide students with a means to learn the language patterns of…

Describes techniques to avoid the time crunch and safety hazards associated with fitting labs into 45-minute periods. The author presents information on organizing people and things, adapting labs, and cleanup management. The author cautions against rushing a science lab to the point of compromising safety or student understanding. (PR)