Active involvement in society-related issues can elevate junior high school students' interest not only in the problem being solved but also in related scientific concepts. Examples of how scientific concepts and society-related issues can be taught in the same class are presented, focusing on genetic engineering, water shortage, and others.…

Describes the selection and implementation of an authentic assessment model for evaluating students' science laboratory knowledge and skills. Provides sample problems and a scoring form for the performance-based science laboratory test. (MDH)

From a survey of 1,000 high school students, the following science anxieties were found: (1) danger anxiety, (2) test anxiety, (3) math and problem-solving anxiety, (4) squeamish anxiety, (5) performance anxiety, and (6) classroom anxiety. (PR)

The ratio factors approach involves recognizing a given fraction, then multiplying so that units cancel. This approach, which is grounded in concrete operational thinking patterns, provides a standard for science ratio and proportion problems. Examples are included for unit conversions, mole problems, molarity, speed/density problems, and…

Presents John Collier's "Problem-Solving Loop" as a structure for finding the most acceptable solution to any problem. Describes a project that uses the problem-solving loop to analyze some problems outside the classroom related to kinematics and dynamics. (JRH)

Incorporates some ideas from a book by Galileo into a problem-solving format that challenges students. (LS)

Describes a student research project on the human head louse. (BR)

Discusses the human brain's specialized perception/expression and information processing systems as they relate to student learning. For high school students in the formal reasoning stage, it is suggested that teachers provide instruction based on mental exercises to develop problem-solving insight. (DH)

Presents an open-ended experiment which has students exploring polymer chemistry and reverse osmosis. This activity involves construction of a polymer membrane, use of it in a simple osmosis experiment, and application of its principles in solving a science-technology-society problem. (ML)

Teachers are being asked to provide students with activities that are relevant, interrelated, and challenging. This article describes an activity, Zoo Investigation Cards, that place students in an investigative problem-solving situation and allows them to observe living organisms in the complex system of their natural habitat. (ZWH)

Presents two examples of problem solving activities in which students are provided with helpful and extraneous information. Each of six group members must make verbal input for the collective solution of a problem. (CP)

Presents a predator-prey simulation which involves students in collecting data, solving problems, and making predictions on the evolution of prey populations. Provides directives on how to perform the chi-square test and also includes an Applesoft BASK program that performs the calculations. (ML)

Describes an activity that challenges students to apply their knowledge of motion to designing and constructing roller coasters. Emphasizes the processes students go through to communicate their ideas and the problem-solving skills they develop. (JRH)

Describes a learning module designed to help students use the factor labeling method in problem solving. (ZWH)