Anyone who has spent time looking at science books with young children has no doubt experienced the endless questions that the information and visuals in the books can stimulate. Books prompt questions, which can lead to further reading about and investigation of science topics. Whether from a textbook or a nonfiction trade book, informational…

One of the goals of developing a new chemistry courses is to foster positive student attitudes toward chemistry and to capitalize on both positive and negative experience in helping students to see how teachers can influence students' interests in science with inquiry-based and discovery learning. Additionally the courses are conclusively helpful…

Girls Into Science and Technology (GIST), an action research project that ran from 1979 to 1983, aimed to study the reasons for girls' under-achievement in science and technology and to take action to remedy the situation. A cohort of 1,700 young people in ten co-educational comprehensive schools in the Greater Manchester area were followed from…

This pamphlet gives an introduction to the principles of astronomical picture-taking. Chapters included are: (1) "Getting Started" (describing stationary cameras, sky charts and mapping, guided cameras, telescopes, brightness of astronomical subjects, estimating exposure, film selection, camera filters, film processing, and exposure for…

The FIPSE-funded Science and Self-Determination Project at the University of Colorado at Boulder (established through the American Indian Educational Opportunity Program) was threefold. The project was: (1) to provide a month-long summer science/math institute on the university campus for 35 Native American Secondary students from a 10-state…

Discusses an interdisciplinary approach to environmental education. Outlines the distinct features of Spurensicherung and the need for the development of working relationships between the practicing teacher and groups outside the school in the facilitation of the program. Advocates adoption of this method. (RT)

Discusses laser demonstration for invoking interest in science, especially physics. Describes some examples, such as diffraction, scattering, expansion by diverging lens, internal reflection in a light pipe, and illumination through optical cable. Provides some practical hints for the demonstration. (YP)

This paper argues the value of drama processes in science classrooms as a way of enabling students to learn openly from and with each other and of enhancing higher order learning skills. Role-playing, focus, and tension are described as constructs to guide the pedagogy of drama processes. (YP)

Describes major aspects of the Pupil Researcher Initiative, a curriculum development project aimed at encouraging pupils, teachers, researchers, and the wider community to work together to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for science and engineering. (JRH)

In America's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science, a National Research Council (NRC) committee found that labs have the potential to help students master science subject matter, develop scientific reasoning skills, increase interest in science, and achieve other important science learning goals. High school graduates who attain these…

In this paper, we demonstrate that rapid cycling "Brassica rapa" (Wisconsin Fast Plants) can be used in inquiry-based, student ecological fieldwork. We are the first to describe age-specific survival for field-grown Fast Plants and identify life history traits associated with individual survival. This experiment can be adapted by educators as a…

This paper discusses changes related to students that will occur during the next two decades and how they will affect science teacher's considerations of what and how to teach biology. Statistical data are presented for racial/ethnic groups. Some variables influencing the choice of a biology career are reviewed. Hands-on activities, inquiry, and…

Traces the major developments and trends in contemporary popular science. Identifies magazines, television shows, and newspaper sections devoted to popular science and discusses their status and impact. Comments on the rise, fall, and future of the "science boom." (ML)

Traces the development and discusses the advantages of an instrument to measure student attitudes towards science. The instrument's sub-scales determine: enjoyment of science/science lessons; social implications of science; attitudes toward scientific inquiry; attitudes toward scientists/normality of scientists; career interests in science; and…

Compares the editorial policy and appeal of the "National Enquirer" to the "Skeptical Inquirer" which is published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. Presents an overview of the common sense approach of the latter, its format, topics, and sample content. (DC)