Explains practices and activities related to measurement, observation, and problem solving/practical investigating in British science classes. Provides three physics investigations and assesses their instructional potential and effectiveness with students. (ML)

Discusses the commonly held misconceptions on heat and examines potential contributing factors. Defines and provides examples of internal energy and heat. Suggests approaches to the teaching of heat for secondary level students. (ML)

Contains 31 activities and experiments from the biological and physical sciences. Addresses such areas as reproduction, biotechnology, ecology, proteins, nitrates, aerosols, metal crystallinity, circuit boards, and photoswitching. (ML)

Describes a study that examined the potential of a short inservice course (one week) with the teaching of experimental science in the primary school. Results indicated that participation in the course resulted in an increase in the amount of classroom time devoted to experimental science by the teachers involved (N=31). (ML)

Reports on the results of a study of the effects of a popular children's nature magazine, "Ranger Rick," on increasing children's knowledge of animals and the natural world. Results indicate that the children who read the magazine increased their knowledge about animals, plants, and ecological principles. (Author/TW)

Offers a model for a performance-based training system based on job task analysis methodology that has been successfully implemented at a nuclear utility. Presents a flow chart of the training needs system and explains the steps involved in the process. (ML)

Reports on an analysis of student evaluations of an introductory college-level physical geology course over a five year period. Indicates that instructional and pedagogical traits were assessed as being of importance in contributing to the satisfaction of the students with the course. (TW)

Tree-ring analysis in geomorphology can be incorporated into a number of undergraduate methods in order to reconstruct the history of a variety of geomorphic processes. Discusses dendrochronology, general principles of dendrogeomorphology, field sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and examples of applications. (TW)

Describes a six-week, six-credit, field-based physical and historical geology course offered by Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) in conjunction with its standard summer field studies program. Stresses the advantages of integrating physical and historical geology concepts in a field setting. (TW)

Provides suggestions for two exercises designed to assist and involve students in understanding chemical concepts. Includes a laboratory experiment for determining the Ksp of a saturated solution of calcium sulfate and a scheme for naming oxyacids and their salts. (ML)

Addresses the issue of whether traditional high school chemistry is needed for all students as preparation for the study of college level chemistry. Recommends an approach which stresses applications and societal issues for high school students. (ML)

Describes efforts in devising a method for determining sulfate quickly and accurately from rainwater samples. Explains the design and operation of the apparatus and identifies the solutions for the testing. (ML)

Contains two articles relating to chemistry examination questions. One provides examples of how to sequence multiple choice questions so that partial credit may be given for some responses. The second includes a question and solution dealing with stereoisomerism as a result of free radical chlorination of a nonstereoisometic substance. (TW)

Discusses the advantages of using content specific problem solving as a vehicle for undergraduate instruction in biology, and describes different software tools used to implement this model. The areas discussed include simulated laboratories, the construction of binary classification schemes using computer programs, and scientific writing using…

Describes two experiments for demonstrating the properties of osmosis and semipermeable membranes. Gaseous and liquid osmosis are studied through the use of common laboratory chemicals and equipment. Offers explanations for the phenomena with diagrams. (ML)