Describes a format for experiments where students not only conduct their own experiments but also become part of a model scientific community by writing research proposals, applying for grants, submitting their work to colleagues for scrutiny, participating in a symposium to present their findings, and creating a scientific journal to publish…

Discusses how experiments can offer students different points of view on the mathematical concepts presented in class and bring these concepts to life. Presents an experiment that demonstrates the interaction between mathematics and fluid dynamics. (Author/ASK)

Describes the experiences of students and teachers involved in space shuttle experiments. Aims to spark student interest in the space program and careers in science. (ASK)

A study examined the relationship between the creative thinking of 114 13 to 14-year-old females and scientific problem-solving ability. The students did well in the "preliminary trialing" stage and were more proficient in "interpreting" and "performing" process skills. The other three components, "communication,""planning," and "reflecting,"…

Presents an activity in which the amount of solar ultraviolet radiation in tree shade is measured at different times of the day and compared with changes in illumination levels and temperature. (Author/WRM)

Describes the construction of a conductivity meter that includes a timer and a readout display that provides semiquantitative information. The meter can be made into a hand-held or lecture hall (demonstration) version. (WRM)

Uses a cross section to enhance three-dimensional knowledge of the anatomy of a canine head. Involves (n=124) veterinary students dissecting the head and experimental groups also identifying structures on a cross section of the head. Reports a positive impact of this experience on participant students. (Contains 52 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the results of a study on the similarities and differences in laboratory tasks used in science education at upper secondary school and university level in the three main science subjects in seven European countries. Some differences are noted between the science subjects and educational levels, but the dominant impression of the analysis…

The work done in a chemistry laboratory is compared to cooking, as both processes use books for reference. It is felt that cooking and chemistry are complex processes and are creative endeavors that require skills beyond those developed by merely following the directions.

The purpose of this study was to examine how different inquiry experiences affect in-service science teachers' performance in terms of their questions and classroom actions. Teachers in a workshop experience proceeded through structured, guided, and full inquiry stations where materials to make foam were provided. Participants were 26 in-service…

OsmoBeaker is a CD-ROM designed to enhance the learning of diffusion and osmosis by presenting interactive experimentation to the student. The software provides several computer simulations that take the student through different scenarios with cells, having different concentrations of solutes in them.

A simple and effective field exercise that demonstrates factors affecting predation on bird nests is described. With instructor guidance, students in high school biology or college-level biology, ecology, animal behavior, wildlife management or ornithology laboratory courses can collaborate to design field experiments related to nest depredation.

The educational potential of non-linear systems is given surprisingly little attention in science education research--at least in research that links content matter and educational issues. The project on educational reconstruction of non-linear systems at the IPN has investigated the educational significance of threferring phenomena and the…

We present an investigation (for A-level biology students and equivalent) into the mechanism of glucose-induced extracellular acidification in unbuffered yeast suspensions. The investigation is designed to enhance understanding of aspects of the A-level curriculum that relate to the phenomenon (notably glucose catabolism) and to develop key skills…

The enzyme orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase is an attractive choice for the central theme of an integrated, research-based biochemistry laboratory course. A series of laboratory exercises common to most instructional laboratories, including enzyme assays, protein purification, enzymatic characterization, elementary kinetics, and…