Reports on Japanese science education from observations made of one school and one teacher. Compares the school to an American suburban "prep" high school with well-disciplined students. States that the reason students learn is because the Japanese consider education to be extremely important. (RT)

Reviews a National Science Foundation funded workshop ("Investigations in the Natural Sciences") for science teachers on how to use laboratory centered materials developed by the Science Education Center at the University of Oklahoma. Presents the results of a survey of the participants. Highlights the program's strengths. (CW)