This paper describes the development of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in secondary chemistry and physics preservice teachers. Teacher beliefs are intricately tied to how they make decisions for implementing instructional strategies, and those beliefs aid in the development of pedagogical content knowledge. A model for pedagogical content…

This document contains information on the hole in the ozone layer. Topics discussed include properties of ozone, ozone in the atmosphere, chlorofluorocarbons, stratospheric ozone depletion, effects of ozone depletion on life, regulation of substances that deplete the ozone layer, alternatives to CFCs and Halons, and the future of the ozone layer.…

This report describes efforts to create and test variables measuring students' high-school coursetaking in mathematics, foreign language, and science, using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS) NELS:88 transcript file (National Center for Education Statitstics (NCES) projects 1.2.4.13 and 1.2.4.39). The first project…

Describes development of Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering degree program at the University of California at Los Angeles. Includes rationale for the program, means by which it functions, unique characteristics, curriculum and accomplishments to date, all with particular concern for needs derived from the Toxic Substances Control Act…

Presents research findings about textbook construction and how they should influence the development of chemistry texts. Discusses learning as a constructive process, the importance of interpreting symbolic representations, and the creation of structure by the learner. Advocates publisher responsibility for incorporating results of research when…

Describes a course offered to elementary education majors that attempts to combine chemistry theory with practice teaching and strives to instill positive attitudes toward the value of science in elementary schools. Course topics, student presentations, classroom teaching experience, discussion/observations about the experiences, and final paper…

Meta-analytical procedures were used to review research studies dealing with Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), computer-based teaching, programed instruction, audio-tutorial instruction, and visual-based instruction. Results of most studies of student achievement and student ratings came out in favor of classes taught with these…

Describes the design, construction, and use of oversize lecture-demonstration atomic/molecular models. These models appeal to both concrete and formal operational students. Also describes construction and use of an "spdf" sandwich board and an experiment using attribute blocks. (JN)

Reviews efforts by science educators to reduce sexism in science textbooks. While there is agreement about the extent of sexism found in the books, there is some confusion as to the best method of changing it. An analytic framework for clarifying the problem and possible affirmative action are proposed. (JN)

Provides an annotated list of 25 references on various aspects of computer uses in chemical education. Includes sources for programs, instructional strategies, research studies, laboratory use, and integrating computers into the chemistry curriculum. (JN)

Study aids have been developed in a format allowing students to assimilate partial answers slowly, without consulting the whole answer. Discusses rationale and advantages of using the aids and provides three examples demonstrating logical thinking required to solve short-answer problem and use in multistep mechanistic or synthetic problems.…

Suggests that a governmental agency, most likely Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) be considered in the safety design stage of any experiment. Focusing on OSHA's role, discusses such topics as occupational health hazards of toxic chemicals in laboratories, occupational exposure to benzene, and role/regulations of other agencies.…

Questionnaires were sent to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science teachers (N=100) to determine practical problems at the student/teacher/subject matter interface. Responses related to importance of content area for students and difficulty students have in learning the content are discussed. (SK)

Research Corporation is aiding universities in locating new sources of income by finding patentable inventions, acting as broker between companies wanting to fund research and investigators with parallel interests, seeking capital for professors whose ideas have commercial possibilities, and finding private donors of scientific equipment.…

Describes a chemistry "pre-course" for students entering Rhode Island Junior College. The course is designed to introduce many basic scientific concepts deemed necessary before entering the first college chemistry course. (CS)