Reports on a study to determine the effects of the presentation of questions inserted into texts for students in introductory biology. Results indicated that students reading the text with questions at the beginning of the paragraph scored significantly higher on achievement tests than the students reading without questions. (TW)

Describes a new biochemistry laboratory course offered at the University of Scranton (Pennsylvania) which is designed to promote scientific curiosity and creativity. Uses a problems-oriented approach which provides students with independent learning experiences. Provides a listing of some of the course's laboratory exercises. (TW)

Discusses a recent addition to the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago) known as "Everyday Chemistry." This permanent exhibit on modern chemistry incorporates demonstrations of chemical reactions in ways intended to enhance public understanding. Describes the six cases in the exhibit and the automated aspects of their demonstrations.…

Explains the functions of and the techniques employed in expert systems. Offers the program "The Periodic Table Expert," as a model for using artificial intelligence techniques in BASIC. Includes the program listing and directions for its use on: Tandy 1000, 1200, and 2000; IBM PC; PC Jr; TRS-80; and Apple computers. (ML)

Contains six abstracts of selected papers from the Fourth Annual Summer Computer Conference held in Eugene, Oregon. Topics reviewed include: teaching science process skills with software (three abstracts); computer use in middle school mathematics; computing and algebra; and artificial intelligence tutorial. (ML)

Determined if grouping preservice elementary teachers (N=91) in physical science laboratories by their formal reasoning ability affected: (1) their science content achievement; (2) the learning environment in the laboratory; (3) their formal reasoning ability; and (4) the relationship between individuals in a particular group. (Author/JN)

Reviews science education reform movements of the 1950's, 1960's, and the present era; discusses recent reform proposals' assumptions and objectives and synthesizes their conclusions. In examining current efforts toward change in science curriculum, contrasts a "renewal" or "revival" movement, which seeks quantitative change, with a "reform"…

This study investigated relationships among locus of control, instructional mode, and achievement for externally and internally oriented students taught by the same instructor using two different teaching methods. A definite relationship was found among the variables, and internally oriented students attained higher achievement levels where…

Presents response to a survey in the March and May 1982 issues of the American Association of Physics Teachers "Announcer" on microcomputer use by physics instructors. Provides background information on microcomputers useful in determining choice of system components, including applications development. Appendices give information on machine and…

Summarizes existing outdoor education literature, identifying its values and the purpose it serves in the educational curriculum. Explores general goals of education, explains how outdoor education can help achieve these goals, and cites the need for training teachers in outdoor education. Concludes with a summary and recommendations for science…

Examines childrens' conceptual frameworks and, recognizing that they may be inaccurate, proposes such teaching strategies to aid students in modifying inadequate frameworks as: asking for ideas, listening respectfully, providing guided experiences, and encouraging discussion in non-threatening settings. Stresses learning as an active, thinking,…

Recounts experiences of an environmental biology class, highlighting the eight-day field trip that is the culmination of the course. Describes activities during the bus trip, a two-day canoe trip, and field work at the Ozark Underground Laboratory and Blanchard Springs Caverns. Also discusses the field journal and final examination. (JM)

Surveyed four samples of science/mathematics teachers to investigate teaching/learning practices that occur in Victoria classrooms. Results are reported and discussed under four categories: teacher characteristics; mediating influences (focusing on grouping); allocated time for instruction (including amount of time expected for homework); and…

The chemical content knowledge of secondary science teachers is seldom measured directly in developed countries as there are practical, ethical and political problems involved that would be likely to be insuperable. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the author assisted in some of the work involved in the second IEA Science Study (SISS), where the PNG…

This thesis describes a project to design a primary school physics learning environment which takes into account teachers' needs, design procedures, properties of the learning environment, and pupil learning outcomes. The project's design team has wide experience in research and development work in relation to science education, the use of ICT in…