The 21st century's information economy is creating more jobs that require not only a college education but also at least some expertise in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM. Across the country, schools and communities are finding that the hours after school are particularly conducive to…

Describes several significant observations by amateur astronomers of recent, spectacular clouds and storm systems on Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. (Author/JJK)

Describes: (1) various research studies of the mid-ocean ridges; (2) how money and facilities are made available for these studies; and (3) the prospect for future ocean floor studies. Indicates that a presidential proclamation (Exclusive Economic Zone) has extended United States boundaries 200 nautical miles seaward, adding new exploration sites.…

Describes a variety of projects that were used in a summer program for gifted high school students to help teach biotechnical concepts and applications. Presents six projects utilizing algae as tool for solving problems. Also presents five production-oriented projects with hydroponics and fermentation as research and development themes. (PR)

Discusses projects entered in the 46th Annual Science Talent Search and identifies the 40 successful competitors. Includes a listing of the winners by state and also names the student's school and city. (ML)

Describes the LabNet project that has three interrelated goals: (1) encouraging the use of student projects to enhance science learning, (2) building a professional community of practice among high school science teachers, and (3) exploiting the potential of today's new technologies. (PR)

Develops a teaching scheme for 11-13 year-olds based on different types of investigational practical work. Includes discussion of difficulties in investigations, four types of investigations, and deployment in the curriculum. (YP)

Presents an insider's view of the judging process at science fairs from a former student participant who has performed as a judge at many science fairs. Discusses who the judges are, on what judges tend to focus, parental involvement, gifted students and outside help, the interview process, and the formal rules of judging. (JJK)

Presented are nine working papers prepared for the National Science Foundation as one means of assisting the Office of Science and Technology Policy in preparing the administration's "Annual Science and Technology Report to the Congress, 1982." The papers explore aspects of three broad themes central to the administration's science and…