Reports on the phonological form of one child's productive vocabulary from age 0;10 to 1;8 with primary focus on his production of multisyllabic targets. Findings indicate that there is a developmental and perhaps maturational limitation in the capacity to carry out the processes underlying word and sentence production. (33 references) (Author/CK)

Ascertains the interplay between scientific experiences and participation in school science among girls in the first year of secondary school. Results indicate that girls in science tend to participate in activities that relate to biology and are academic, and that they rarely engage in tinkering. (DDR)

Provides details of an advanced cell biology course that has as its overall design the critical reading and examination of primary literature. Contains guidelines to assist students in critical reading. (DDR)

Describes a paper-and-pencil activity that helps students understand DNA sequencing and expands student understanding of DNA structure, replication, and gel electrophoresis. Appropriate for advanced biology students who are familiar with the Sanger method. (DDR)

Describes laboratory techniques designed to familiarize students with meiosis and how microscopic preparations of meiosis are made. These techniques require the use of fresh or fixed flowers. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Describes a year-long, schoolwide project that brings the ocean environment into the classroom and develops cross-disciplinary understandings for students. Presents details of the physical environment within the school, the history of the project, and the rationale and advantages. (DDR)

Whether explicit-strategy instruction combined with whole-language instruction would improve third graders' spelling more than using either approach alone was studied with 37 students. Findings suggest that young children learn to spell best when they are taught a repertoire of effective strategies in a meaningful context. (SLD)

Evaluates the effectiveness of two different intertrial intervals for increasing the sight word vocabulary of four learning disabled students. Results indicate that, when measuring learning as a function of instructional time, immediate presentation resulted in a faster learning rate than did the five-second condition for three of the…

Considers the results of a study supported by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) that focuses on the impact of different environments on students' abilities to learn calculus. (DDR)

Presents an interview with an award-winning science teacher who is queried about why one of her studies dramatically changed her attitude about science. (DDR)

The effects of four different instructional formats (orthographic drawing, isometric drawing, physical model, and isometric and physical model together) on learning outcomes and strategies for spatial tasks were studied with 40 secondary students. Findings indicate that physical models cause the least extraneous cognitive load. (SLD)

Studied videotapes and interviews to examine students' use of learning strategies and encoding processes while engaged in a hypermedia concept lesson on propaganda techniques. Found that even among high-ability fifth graders, there was a wide variation in strategy use and encoding processes, not always leading to successful posttest performance.…

Describes a seventh-grade science course that is based on the phenology of the seasons, uses the outdoors on a regular basis, and uses reference books and field guides. (DDR)

Presents a modification of a procedure for making and launching hot air balloons made out of garbage bags. Student instructions for balloon construction, launching instructions, and scale diagrams are included. (DDR)

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)