Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…

To confront some of the challenges faced by teachers beginning to implement Standards-based inquiry activities in their middle school classrooms, learning coordinators and teachers selected an inquiry-based set of courses and created a District Science Curricula Scope and Sequence, which overviewed the major units and showed teachers and parents…

The development of communication skills is a key component in any science program. However, students do not see the connections between writing and science. In particular, students lack the enthusiasm when the time comes to write lab reports. Students say that they do not see why they should have to write dry, boring lab reports following an…

This paper describes two empirical studies which investigated the importance for spatial learning of view control and object manipulation within 3D environments. A 3D virtual chemistry laboratory was used as the research instrument. Subjects, who were university undergraduate students (34 in the first study and 80 in the second study), undertook…

The purpose of this article is to discuss "small-group apprenticeships (SGAs)" as a method to instruct cell culture techniques to high school participants. The study aimed to teach cell culture practices and to introduce advanced imaging techniques to solve various biomedical engineering problems. Participants designed and completed experiments…

This paper presents an overview of the inservice model used by the National Science Foundation supported Project INLAB (Integrating Laboratory Instruction and Assessment) to challenge and change science teachers' laboratory instruction and assessment practice. The framework that guides the instructional strategies and activities of INLAB is based…

In October 1988, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) became law in Canada and was applied to school classrooms and laboratories. Educators expressed concerns that difficulties in implementation would negatively affect student laboratory activity. In 1994, a survey of 219 randomly selected Manitoba junior and senior high…

This monograph is the first attempt to collect and share some of the teaching techniques, activities, and ideas of former recipients of the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. The lessons are organized into topical themes to facilitate their incorporation into standard curriculum. The manual is divided into two main sections, "Labs" and "Ideas."…

The two goals of this program were to increase the number of classroom teachers using the lab and to increase the amount of time that the science lab was used. The solution strategy chosen was a combination of peer tutoring, orientation presentations, small group discovery experiments and activities, and individual science experiment stations. The…

Land scarcity dominates the thinking of school planners in Singapore. Techniques for optimizing the use of land for schools include (1) the construction of multi-storied or high-rise schools; (2) operation of a double-shift system and, in some cases, a triple-shift system; (3) multiple use of educational spaces; and (4) construction of several…

Volume II of a two-volume manual of design criteria, based primarily on biological safety considerations. It is prepared for the use of architect-engineers in designing new or modified microbiological facilities for Fort Detrick, Maryland. Volume II is divided into the following sections: (1) architectural, (2) heating, ventilating, and air…

Describes magnet high school which was created in California to meet desegregation requirements and emphasizes computer technology. Highlights include local computer networks that connect science and music labs, the library/media center, business computer lab, writing lab, language arts skills lab, and social studies classrooms; software; teacher…

Reviews several computer software programs appropriate for educational use. Includes reviews of a graphic environmental operating system, a writers workshop, an exploration of an artificial intelligence program, and a microcomputer based laboratory (MBL) package. Provides information on hardware, grade level, purchasing, and strengths and…

Reports on the recommendations made by House Representative Don Fuqua (Florida), outgoing chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, regarding science policy in the United States. Includes issues such as research funding, the role of the universities, and the need to develop diverse energy sources. (TW)

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) developed this document as a resource for high school administrators, parents, and teachers who are interested in developing guidelines for physics curriculum and instruction in their school(s). These guidelines reflect the goals of the AAPT, with an emphasis on instructional strategies and…