Explains the purposes, procedures, and standards associated with the National Science Teachers Association certification program. Describes the criteria used for the different grade levels and subject areas. Discusses future plans for the programs. (ML)

Describes how a science challenge program was modeled after the Olympics to offer a variety of science events in a competitive setting. Reviews organizational factors, suggests sources for events, and identifies rules and scoring procedures. (ML)

Offers suggestions for the development of a laboratory assistant program. Includes guidelines and factors to consider in the selection process and in the training program. Discusses the advantages of this type of program for both students and teachers. (ML)

Describes an action research project, "Girls into Science and Technology" (GIST), which focuses on girls' subject choices in the first three years in their secondary schools in the north of England. Summarizes the initiatives taken by the GIST team and reviews research findings and project outcome. (ML)

Describes a course for nonscience students which aims to teach quantitative modes for investigating natural phenomena by specific oceanographic applications to Long Island Sound. Highlights aspects of the course's lecture series and field study program. Identifies resources needed for the course and discusses problem areas and student evaluation.…

Outlines and discusses elements for designing elementary school science programs, considering: goals and objectives; scope; sequence (arrangement dependent on logic, topic, hierarchy, developmental psychology, or combinations); instructional strategies; evaluation; and inservice education. Also suggests that textbooks serve as points to begin the…

Examined trends in teachers' recommendations for changing elementary and junior high school science programs between 1978 and 1982. Results discussed are based on responses of British Columbia teachers- 3,040 teachers in 1978 and 1,631 in 1982, with return rates ranging from 77.5 percent to 85 percent. (JN)

The Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park is the setting for a one-day laboratory exercise and evaluation of high school students' understanding of physics. The concepts and general techniques measured and the park's resources are discussed. Sample student responses are included. (JN)

In 1977, 180 second- and third-year education students completed a questionnaire in which they were asked to recall their science experience in elementary school. Results from this study are compared to those obtained in 1984 from 159 students of approximately the same age and at the same level of education. (JN)

Describes an innovative freshman chemistry program in which course sequences have been designed to accommodate students with strong or weak chemistry backgrounds or with no previous chemistry at all. Includes information on courses offered, instructional strategies, and laboratory examinations. (JN)

Describes a mentoring program developed to reinforce career counseling sessions at a five-week summer institute where students learn about science, mathematics, computer science, and language arts. The program resulted in a convenient method to determine the overall institute effectiveness. (DH)

Describes the science program at Incarnate Word, a private Catholic girls' college preparatory school in San Antonio (Texas). Focuses on the chemistry curriculum and the instructional strategies/materials (such as learning activity packets) used in the curriculum. (JN)

The National Diffusion Network (NDN) is a federal program that disseminates information about exemplary educational programs and helps other schools replicate them. Each state has an NDN facilitator who can help interested teachers develop and/or find appropriate curricula. Information on applying to and participating in the NDN is given. (DH)

An undergraduate research program in natural product synthesis was established at a small liberal arts college. Discusses program goals (including the total synthesis of maytansine), objectives, and accomplishments to date. Guidelines for establishing such programs are offered. (JN)

The benefits of undergraduate research programs for faculty members are described. Proposal strategies for new faculty, working in the undergraduate setting, and role of the senior faculty are the other major areas considered. (JN)