Compared a group viewing a slide/tape program designed to reduce the novelty of a science museum with a control group (n=64 sixth graders). The results indicate that boys in the experimental group had higher on-task exploratory learning and greater cognitive learning, but there was no effect for girls. (PR)

Proposes the use of utility companies as an educational resource to teach about energy and other science topics. Partnerships with utility companies can enrich instruction through teacher workshops, media libraries, classroom presentations, on-site visits, and classroom materials. (MDH)

Describes a simulation exercise developed for an introductory biology course for nonmajors. The simulation focuses on the control of western spruce budworms in forests of the western United States. A nonlinear, multivariate simulation model is used. (PR)

Discusses computer simulations in science education and presents the results of a study of 39 ninth-grade earth-science students to determine the effects of computer-simulated mineral identification activities on test performance. Results indicated no difference in test scores between the group using real minerals and the group using a computer…

Presents two recent cases that can be used in the classroom to illustrate the application of scientific methods in biological research: (1) the use of a complementary RNA or DNA molecule to block the production or translation of an mRNA molecule; and (2) the development of HIV trial vaccines. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

Finds that extended practicum experiences in elementary science teaching positively increases preservice science elementary teachers' (n=64) personal science-teaching-efficacy beliefs. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Presents student teachers' reactions to a mathematics and science methods class redesigned to challenge their beliefs regarding the nature of mathematics, themselves as learners, and teaching-learning processes. Student interviews, journal writings, mathematics autobiographies, exams, and class writings indicated that many students increased their…

Argues for the potential of hands on activities with simple materials to help develop understanding of physical phenomena among students of all age groups. (WRM)

Describes a collaboration between a university education professor and a team of four middle school teachers to create and implement an interdisciplinary thematic unit of study about the Caribbean region. Describes how the unit dealt with language arts, math, science, and social studies areas, and describes alternative forms of assessment used to…

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Describes library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up for each activity. (LRW)

Developed and tested a cognitive theory-based intervention teaching a procedure for designing simple controlled experiments to fourth graders. Found that the intervention produced significant gains in students' ability to create controlled experiments, provide valid justifications for their experiments, and evaluate experiments designed by others.…

Describes the use of C programming language for creating simple programs to teach about pendulums, waves, and frequency. (PR)

Describes the Remote Access Astronomy Project, a computerized optical telescope and dial-in data distribution system that places high-quality images and image processing techniques into computer workstations in junior and high school classrooms. (PR)

Across-the-curriculum articles focus on four areas. A math activity describes optical illusions and the properties of shapes. A hands-on science activity presents the chemistry of secret messages. A writing lesson helps students capture the essence of character. An art lesson presents a project on medieval castles. (SM)

A study used qualitative methods to examine lack of clarity and need for inference in teaching of an undergraduate physics course for nonscience majors. Evidence from several data sources converge, revealing very low levels of student understanding of material presented and strong dissatisfaction with instruction, and also insights into teacher…