Presents descriptive information about carnivores, including a definition and the characteristics. Contains instructions for teaching activities along with reproducible worksheets and handouts. (TW)

Presents information on some of the unusual mammal groups, such as platypuses, kangaroos, anteaters, and armadillos. Characteristics of these animals are given and teaching activities are described, including "Oddball Options,""Pocket Pals," and "Fact and Fancy." A reproducible handout for "Oddball Options" is included. (TW)

Explains how computer and game port interfacing reduces the time required for data collection and organization and also stimulates student interest in science laboratory exercises. Illustrates this approach through a description of a population-variation lab. Includes diagrams for the construction of the interface box. (ML)

Describes several ways to build data collection devices for microcomputers. The interface devices connect with either the computer's game port or an analog-to-digital converter. Discusses how teachers have designed the equipment and appropriate software to use with the computer in biology teaching. (TW)

The study sought to determine if increased lesson structure could aid elementary school students with low perceptual structures. Findings indicated that increased lesson structure did not significantly improve science achievement for the participating grade four and five students. (ML)

Describes an activity in which young children explore the concepts of light by predicting the shape of shadows. Different configurations of light sources are used and objects are held in different positions. Sample questions to be asked of the children before, during, and after the activities are included. (TW)

Provides an overview of the approach, objectives, and unit offerings of the Science and Technology in Society (SATIS) project. Lists physics-related SATIS publications and describes selected programs. Suggests how SATIS units can be used as a supplement to existing materials. (ML)

Discusses the concerns and problems associated with the secondary school-higher education interface in West Germany. Reviews reform efforts and attempts at problem resolution with specific emphasis on physics instruction. (ML)

Presents a humorous, fictional account of a scientist's secret addiction to a forbidden psychological stimulant: literature. Suggests that the polarization of the teaching of science and of literature has reached alarming and unhealthy proportions. (IW)

Differentiates the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (or Krebs cycle) from glycolysis, and describes the bridge between the two as being the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl coenzyme A. Discusses the eight steps in the TCA cycle, the results of isotopic labeling experiments, and the net effects of the TCA cycle. (TW)

Describes a laboratory experiment in which benzene fluorescence is quenched by bis(acetylacetonato) copper(II). Discusses how this experiment can demonstrate a special technique used in the field of photochemistry. Provides an outline of the experimental procedure and discusses its results. (TW)

Discusses the concepts of relativity, mass, and energy, and the relationships between them. Argues that mass conservation inevitably follows from energy conservation. Proposes a scheme for introducing the laws relating to these concepts in general chemistry courses. (TW)

Provides an overview of the objectives of Virginia's Science Education Program Assessment Model (SEPAM). Describes the kinds of data collected in the program, how the data are analyzed, and how the data can be used in implementing components of an effective support system for science education. (ML)

Discusses a study which examined gender related differences in participation in science activities. Based on interpretive observations and formal interviews, gender related differences in engagement patterns were evident with the high school students. Presents six assertions and provides supporting examples of gender differences. (ML)

Determined whether small groups would stimulate creativity more than individualized learning environments for fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=111). Results indicated that small groups were more creative with electrical circuits and that this grouping format should be used in elementary classes. (Author/DH)