Describes a non-laboratory science course for nonscience majors that actively engages students in a variety of learning activities. Highlights students' positive evaluations of the course. Also describes active learning experiences incorporated into the course. (JRH)

Presents an alternative approach to teaching laboratory chemistry that considers issues such as safety, waste disposal, and cost. Focuses on the micro-scale approach and discusses a number of positive benefits that can be gained from adopting this approach. (DDR)

Reports on four action research studies that had impact on classroom practices. Topics include student self-assessment and problem solving. (DDR)

Provides several reasons for the lack of the classroom teacher's involvement in science education research. Explains the purposes, advantages, involvements, and kinds of research. States that without teachers as researchers, there is an inability to put knowledge to practice. (RT)

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

Suggested are ways that problem solving can be integrated into existing college courses. Modification of assignments, reduction of class examples, developing the structure of knowledge, finding time to teach process skills, and developing student awareness are discussed. A self-assessment form for students is included. (CW)

Assesses the role of science topic instruction combined with logical reasoning strategy instruction in teaching high school students about blood pressure problems. Reports positive effects of the combined instruction compared to science topic instruction. (Author/YP)

Discusses computer simulations for chemistry courses. Reviews a simulation program, "Evaluation of Bonding Theory: The Werner Jorgensen Controversy," and provides information regarding hardware requirements for the program. Presents the idea of an expert system including simulation modules and counselor modules. Describes some chemical examples, a…

Presents three patterns found in math for elementary students. Spirolaterals are patterns made by repeatedly tracing a series of three numbers in four directions on dot paper. Tessellating can be a combination of teaching about patterns, geometry, and art. The King's Problem requires recognition of a problem to find a solution. (PR)

Discusses solutions to the problem of maximizing the range of a projectile. Presents three references that solve the problem with and without the use of calculus. Offers a fourth solution suitable for introductory physics courses that relies more on trigonometry and the geometry of the problem. (MDH)

Discusses the rate of fall of a wooden beam or a chimney by examining the fall of a highway lamp pole when it is sheered off at its base upon impact by a vehicle. Provides the mathematical formulas to explain and an experiment to illustrate the phenomenon. (MDH)

In this article, constructivism is examined as an epistemological basis for school science and mathematics instruction. The nature and process of constructing scientific and mathematical knowledge in school settings is also considered. A distinction is made between truth and feasibility, and the implications for science education are discussed.…

Described is an undergraduate biology course which uses exercises for teaching critical thinking. A line-of-reasoning model is presented. Evidence for the effectiveness of this approach is presented. (CW)

This article reports on answers by children (grades 1-9, n=83) to oral and written questions concerning the phase change from liquid to gas. The development of concepts was followed, proceeding from concrete to abstract ideas. Many students were found to experience difficulties in problem solving even though they may have had the necessary level…

Provides guidelines for classroom discussions of bioethical issues. Equipped with an ethical reasoning model, teachers can help to prepare students to make responsible decisions about science-related issues. (ZWH)