This research study examines the nature of socio-cognitive influences on general chemistry students' learning and success. In this study, "learning" means gaining critical thinking skills and "success" means good academic grades. From a social constructivist and postmodern perspective, learning and success are considered functions of enculturation…

This report contains the results of a review process and specifically addresses the indicators of progress and achievement which include student impact, teacher impact, policy changes, resource changes, management change, data utilization, learning infrastructure change, student performance, and partnerships. The review was designed to gain a full…

This laboratory manual introduces the idea of Green Chemistry, which is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Instructional samples are included to help teachers integrate green chemistry into the college chemistry curriculum. Each laboratory includes: (1) a…

This guide provides an introduction to the study of reptiles and amphibians and presents opportunities for young people to become involved in their conservation. This book is designed as an instructional guide for many educators in various settings from classroom to nature center. The material provides a thorough introduction to the world of…

Field studies are a primary means of obtaining scientific knowledge about earth science concepts. This paper discusses why a teacher might choose a field trip as an educational strategy important to the teaching and learning of earth science. Reasons to choose field trips as a teaching strategy, factors that influence learning on a field trip, and…

This digest presents an overview of ways that parents can encourage their child's learning in science. National and state standards for science knowledge and skills are discussed. The importance of parental guidance and encouragement in all subjects--science in particular--is also discussed. Suggestions are made for setting a good example, helping…

Lists polymer chemistry topics and depth of topics to be covered in general chemistry courses. Also lists topics using polymers as tools for delivering necessary concepts, discussing 11 topic areas. List of readings, information on textbook evaluation, and illustrative examination questions are included. (JN)

Provides an outline of course content for acid precipitation and two acid rain activities (introduction to pH and effects of acid rain on an organism). Information for obtaining 20 additional activities as well as an information packet containing booklets, pamphlets, and articles are also provided. (JN)

A group of representatives of colleges in western Massachusetts is developing curricula related to nuclear issues. Teaching such issues provides content for promoting liberal arts goals incorporating perspectives of science, engineering and social/political science, and provides opportunities to enlarge students' understanding of the whole domain…

Discusses challenges that should be implemented in chemistry teaching during the 1980s/1990s. These include a focus on social relevance and orientation to student (considering developmental stages, way of thinking, and direct environment). These efforts may change the current negative public image of chemistry. (JN)

Briefly describes NSF-funded weekend courses at Western Illinois University. Includes a list of 16 courses with topic and enrollment data and a list of topics in which teachers felt a need for more preparation. (SK)

Reports results of a survey of 0- (N=186) and A-level (N=277) chemistry students (before taking their examinations) and their teachers (N=40) to determine their perceptions of how difficult different topics were to learn or teach and to determine if ability, interest, and syllabus were related to perceived difficulty. (DC)

Reviews the movement to raise state university entrance requirements and presents opinions on the changes from educators in secondary and higher education. Suggests that higher standards will exacerbate shortages of mathematics and science teachers in the near future and will raise enrollments and hence costs for high school science courses. (RW)

The "Implementation Proneness Typology" was developed to facilitate examination of a teacher's implementation to new innovations in a quantitative manner. Dimensions considered include assertiveness, surgency, conscientiousness, venturesomeness, imaginativeness, shrewdness, experimentiveness, self-sufficiency, humanistic classroom…