This study describes how elementary and secondary California teachers nominated as successful in their microcomputer-based instruction teach science and mathematics, and how their computer usage varies in relation to (1) teacher characteristics (computer and subject matter knowledge, and attitudes toward computers); and (2) district, school, and…

Discussion of changes in science education and scientific literacy is presented in the form of a dialog between the author and his alter ego. Structure of science, myths, facts, methods, and critical rationality are considered. Suggests that scientific principles once considered basic and unchanging are giving way to critical thinking. (DH)

Student interest was stimulated and critical thinking skills developed through an "Issues in Social Biology" course which include several topics in genetics. Judicious selection of topics, course format, and ordering of subjects are discussed, along with suggestions for course improvement development. (DH)

A quality science curriculum should emphasize science in a social setting, include practical applications, stress local relevance, utilize the many dimensions of science in learning activities and teaching methods, and focus on the resolution of problems and issues while de-emphasizing the solution of text and teacher-made problems. (RM)

Describes a content area reading project (television science news broadcast), lists authors who have made contributions to the teaching of limited English-speaking students, and describes how a reading specialist and athletic coach worked as a team to improve student athletes' reading skills. (HOD)

Preservice teachers' (N=22) knowledge level of pendulums was experimentally manipulated to examine effects the manipulation had on the extent of inquiry behaviors exhibited when teaching the topic to grade five children (N-54). Videotape recordings were used to examine how teachers used specific science knowledge to make decisions while teaching.…

Defines "real world" examples providing rationale for incorporating them into chemistry teaching. Topic areas of papers include: chemistry in a watershed, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), consumer chemistry, culinary chemistry, using real world examples in a laboratory program, projects relating real world chemistry to high school…

Describes an advanced, senior-level biochemistry course designed for students planning to pursue careers in nursing, engineering, and agriculture. The course follows a college-type format to expose students to college level course work. Course description, outline, and supplementary materials are included. (JM)

Provides information about producing stereo slides and their use in the classroom. Describes an evaluation of the teaching effectiveness of stereo slides using two groups of 30 randomly selected students from introductory geomorphology. Results from a pretest/postttest measure show that stereo slides significantly improved understanding. (JM)

Describes an advanced placement course, designed for ninth- and tenth-grade students with no prior chemistry, covering two years of content in a single year. Factors leading to course initiation, student selection, curriculum development, teaching methods, problems encountered, and overall results are considered. (JM)

Investigated different patterns and amounts of instruction on planning experiments with sixth- and eighth-grade students. A model for generating process skill lessons was used to produce all lessons. Three treatments were generated and tested, showing student gains in using process skills of identifying variables and stating hypotheses. (Author/JM)

Describes the Henrico County (VA) Public School System's astronomy program, identified as an outstanding program by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education project. Unique aspects of the astronomy program, instructional strategies used, and program activities are discussed. (BC)

Explains the rationale and goals for a physical science course for elementary education majors. Components include: presentation of a science lesson from one of the elementary science programs; hands-on experience with lessons taught by other students; and incorporation of current science-technology-society problems into discussions. Results from…

Factors affecting traditional laboratory instruction in chemistry are discussed. They include: responses to potential hazards in the undergraduate laboratory; student distaste for laboratory classes; equipment and chemical costs; lack of qualified teaching assistants; and faculty pressures to do research. New directions for introductory…

An evaluation study comparing a computer assisted learning-based project with three more conventional ones in an Open University course on evolution is reported. Special attention is paid to reasons why students chose to do different projects and the factors contributing to the variance in the marks awarded for their work. (Author/JN)