Discusses the perceived importance of practical components in natural science undergraduate programs in distance and residential universities in the Netherlands. Surveys of faculty responsible for undergraduate practicals rated general and specific learning objectives. (Contains 26 references.) (SLW)

Discussion of distance education activities at the University of the South Pacific focuses on chemistry courses that were developed for distance teaching. Problems with arranging a practical work component, including laboratory facilities, are addressed; the need for adequate tutorial assistance is discussed; and problems with slow turn-around…

Describes a performance assessment protocol that rates six goals: (1) methodology of research, (2) use of equipment, (3) accuracy in measurement, (4) application of concepts and formulas, (5) use of mathematics, and (6) completeness and clarity. Provides an example performance task evaluation sheet. (MVL)

Discusses the way that the Open University of the Netherlands has been developing a practical natural sciences degree program, gives examples of alternatives for traditional practical work, and presents advantages and disadvantages of traditional practical work. (17 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes the use of a Macintosh computer and HyperCard software to create an introduction to cell culture techniques that closely approximates a hands-on laboratory experiment. Highlights include data acquisition, data analysis, the generation of growth curves, and electronic modeling. (LRW)

Describes an exploratory study to identify determinants of elementary student's intentions to perform laboratory and nonlaboratory science activities. Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action was used as the basis for the study. (PR)

Authors describe a set of controlled ecosystems that can be used to demonstrate the effects of herbivory on the health and growth of a plant population and of predation on the growth of a primary consumer population. The system also shows the effectiveness of biological pest control measures in a dramatic way. The construction of the ecosystems is…

Includes "Planning Laboratory Design" (Storm); "Perkins Money for Automotive Programs" (Cash); "Stretching a Budget" (Warren); "Video Teleconferencing--Powerful Communication for Occupational Educators" (Major); "Danger: Hazardous Materials" (Brown); and "Keeping Facilities Safe--Electrical…

Presents excerpts from the journal of a writing laboratory teacher about her work over one semester with a student who produced wonderful images and insights, yet struggled to write and struggled to succeed in college. (SR)

Discusses the idea that hands-on science education should give credit to the scientists who originally conducted the experiments now repeated in classrooms. Plant experiments originally done by Stephen Hales are described and given as examples. (KR)

Presents instructional methods biology teachers can use to make their presentations more interesting. Author describes variety of methods for introducing lesson on the heart and discusses use of metaphors, form, models, and fractals in instruction pertaining to circulatory system. Presents idea of using Capon's "The Supper of the Lamb"…

Presents information on a standards-based assessment for student laboratory work. Four criteria--planning and design, experimental execution, observation of changes, and interpretation and explanation--are presented along with standards for assessment of laboratory performance. Describes the benefits of teachers enunciating both criteria and…

Six articles discuss the work of Michael Faraday, a chemist whose work revolutionized physics and led directly to both classical field and relativity theory. The scientist as a young man, the electromagnetic experiments of Faraday, his search for the gravelectric effect, his work on optical glass, his laboratory notebooks, and his creative use of…

Describes the design and construction of a technology laboratory for high school students, stressing the involvement of industry for funding, supplies, and help with construction. Curriculum development based on the new lab is discussed; instructional modules are explained; and changes in class enrollment are described. (LRW)

Four salient constructs in a contemporary motor learning theory were tested for validity using dental students' verbal self-reporting. Students were videotaped completing a preparation, then interviewed to stimulate recall of mental processes during the preparation. Results support application of the theory to dentistry and have implications for…